Arnetta McPhearson Hyams

Arnetta McPhearson Hyams passed away peacefully in the wee hours of September 23, 2020 at home in Natchitoches with her eldest son at her side holding her hand. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Louis Fair “Pop” Hyams, Jr., her parents, Fred Collier McPhearson and Claudia Anderson McPhearson of Mansfield, and her step-son L. Fair Hyams III. She is survived by her son Louis Collier Hyams, his wife Susan Walmsley Hyams, their children, Juliet Claire Marie Hyams and Pierce McPhearson Hyams, her son Jon Claude Hyams, his wife Daune Wilks Hyams, their daughter Jasper Lilith Hyams. Step-sons Mark Henry Hyams, his wife Amy Truscott Hyams, Clark Allan Hyams, his wife Michelle Brooks Hyams, step-daughter-in-law Victoria Tucker Hyams, step-grandchildren, Peter LaLande Hyams, William Henry Hyams, Ila Grace Hyams, and Jackson Price Hyams. Arnetta was born on August 14, 1941 in Washington, DC. Hyams was a graduate of Mansfield High School and Northwestern State University. She was a talented artist and creative person specializing in painting and ceramics in college. Her working life began as an arts and crafts shop manager for the US Army where she met her husband and life partner. The Hyams’ Department of Defense career took the family around the world twice with tours in Thailand, Germany, and the US during which time she raised her family with the utmost caring, respect, and support. She was co-owner of Georgia’s Gift Shop on Front Street from 1990-2007. An avid lifelong genealogist, she became a volunteer researcher at the Natchitoches Genealogy Library upon retirement helping numerous people trace their family roots for many years. Arnetta was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was very proud of her Scottish ancestry and was instrumental in both of her sons being married in Scotland. Her family and friends will always remember her as the sweetest, most considerate lady full of grace with just a touch of fire. She was very intelligent, quiet, thoughtful, always with a wonderful smile and a nice word to say. A Memorial Mass will be held at 9:00 AM on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church with Fr. John Cunningham and Fr. John O’Brien officiating. A graveside interment service for Arnetta M. Hyams and Louis Fair “Pop” Hyams, Jr. with military honors will be held immediately following mass at 10:00 AM at the American Cemetery, Natchitoches, LA. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Arnetta may be made to the American Lung Association, the Owl Research Institute, The Natchitoches Genealogical and Historical Association, Po Box 1349, Natchitoches, La 71458 or any charity of your choice.