Mary Lea Byer

Mary Lea Trivitt Byer, 86, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at the National Healthcare Corporation (NHC) Rehabilitation Center in Kingsport, TN following a series of health issues.  

She was born on January 25, 1938 in Clintwood, VA, the youngest of three daughters (nicknamed Sissy) of the late John Blaine Trivitt and Mary Burns Pack Trivitt.  Mary Lea graduated from Clintwood High School in 1956 and then attended Radford College. She graduated in May 1959 with a BS degree in Home Economics Education. While there, she met Bert Byer at the Wesley Foundation on the VPI campus, and in a short time they were inseparable. They were married on February 22, 1959.  After Bert’s graduation from VPI in 1960, they moved to Kingsport, TN. She enjoyed her life as a mother, homemaker and a preschool teacher. Mary Lea was an actively involved member at Colonial Heights United Methodist Church (CHUMC). She enjoyed volunteering at Holston Valley Hospital and CHUMC Clothes Cottage.  Her hobbies included sewing, cross-stitching and quilting, playing bridge, working puzzles and baking the best sourdough bread. Being a grandmother was her special delight and she treasured her granddaughters, showering them with affection, American girl doll extras, and her funny sayings.   In her later years, she loved caring for the deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, and birds in her backyard.  She also enjoyed her friends and time at The Blake with her precious dog, Sophie. Mary Lea will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, future great-grandmother (in June), sister and friend.  Her outgoing nature and sense of humor will be missed. 

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of The Blake, Brighter Days, and NHC, as well as Caris Health Team.

Mary Lea was preceded in death by her husband of almost 63 years, Bert Byer.

Survivors include daughter, Kathy Sutherland (Scott) of Charlotte, NC; son, Mike Byer of Kingsport, TN; granddaughters, Annie Bingham (Brady) of Charlotte, NC and Julia Sutherland of Chicago, IL; sisters, Betty Quesenberry of Blacksburg, VA and Carole Clarke of Suffolk, VA.  

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 10, at 1:30 p.m. at Colonial Heights UMC Sanctuary, located at 631 Lebanon Rd, Kingsport, TN. A Celebration of Life will follow at 3:00 p.m. with the Rev. Chris Brown officiating.  

The family asks that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Mary Lea Byer to CHUMC (PO Box 6027, Kingsport, TN 37663).

Online condolences may be left at www.hamlettdobson.com or mailed to: The Family of Mary Lea Byer, Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, 117 East Charlemont Ave,  Kingsport, TN 37662.