Athena Bywaters, 56, of Flint Hill, Virginia went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 28, 2019 at her home surrounded by her husband, mother and three children.
A celebration of life service will take place on Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 2 PM at Flint Hill United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 1, 2019 from 2 to 4 PM at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 West Main Street, Front Royal.
Athena was born on April 22, 1963 in Alexandria, Virginia to Sherman F. and Reba Horn Paig. She was a member of Flint Hill United Methodist Church and the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Team, Dahlia Lane Team Hope.
She is preceded in death by her brother, Sherman F. Paig Jr.
Surviving along with her parents are her husband of 36 years, Doug Bywaters; daughter, Angie Bywaters; two sons, Matt and Josh Bywaters and three grandchildren, Aubrey Burke, Shepard Bywaters and Hank Bywaters.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Dahlia Lane Team Hope.
Our short time as friends will be remembered forever! Fly high my friend, you will be missed.
Too short Lois, I think in different circumstances the two of you would have enjoyed many laughs together at my expense .. she will take full advantaged of the glory that God has in store for her as she suffered much hear in this life.
Thank you for the kind note
Doug
Prayers lifted for family and friends, may God keep you in his embrace in these trying times.
Thank you Lori, she dearly loved being with me and our RV…. and her best of friends were in RVS also. We have been embraced as we look forward to that strength for a long time to come.
Blessings
Doug
Gone much too soon, but no longer suffering. Prayers and condolences to those left behind.
Dick you are so right, I never thought her suffering would end like this and so soon.. .but we are not in charge but I believe we will have an answer some day,
Thanks for the visits and kind words.
Doug
To donate to our family’s Relay for Life ACS team, Dahlia Lane Team Hope please visit http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?team_id=2469635&pg=team&fr_id=95112&s_locale=en_US&et=-eHvzEp0c-hGFwDsa98pEA&s_tafId=2264252 .
We have so many fond memories of motorcycling trips, camping, and kayaking. Also had lots of fun sharing our crafts. We will miss her dearly.
Suzette, the two of you were kindred spirits when it came to the crafts, yes we always enjoyed our visits and time together and yes we all will miss her terribly. Thank you for both of you and your friendship.
Doug
Doug: Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Maury & Vera Gerson
Thank you Maury, I am not sure you met Athena but she could be a real firecracker back at IBM. Chris Robertson called her a Ally Cat.. one not to be messed with.
Take care and thanks for the kind words.
Doug
Sending warm wishes and prayers to Doug and all the Bywater and Paig families. She will be missed by all and remembered in our hearts by all who knew Athena. May god bring you comfort and peace during these stressful times.
God has honored many prayers, the strength is palliative and sustains me and my family. Thanks for the kind words.
Doug
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Always remember the good times with Athena & may they bring you comfort in the future. She will be missed.
I commented elsewhere how much a warrior she was, she had a passion for life as you know too. We made many memories and yes we will take time to honor and remember them.
Thanks for attending her Celebration of life!
Doug
We are just so sorry to hear this…
Athena was such a beautiful, loving spirit! Sending warmest condolences to all of Athena and Doug’s family and closest friends.
Thanks Jan and Ron, we raised our sons together and for that we are grateful for those memories. Bless you guys.
Doug
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. May the soul of Athena rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
We do not know the hour or day we will be called home, but we are assured in Christ where we will reside. Her sole maybe resting but I am sure she is running as she hardly ever had the chance in her earthly vessel. Thanks for the kind words.
Doug
Doug, our deepest sympathies and prayers to you and your family. May you find strength and comfort during such a difficult time. Kind Regards.
Thank you Sorina, she was a fighter and a fearless woman. Cancer met a formidable foe and won this time, but advancements in care are carried on the backs of warriors.
Doug
Heartfelt thoughts and prayers to both families at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Athena.
Terry, many times we talked about how Cancer destroys, I am so blessed to have had the time I had with Athena although too short,. Thank you for attending her Celebration of Life.
Blessings
Doug
Our prayers for the Bywater family during this time. May your wonderful memories of Athena and her love for all of you provide comfort in this time of grief.
Betty, Athena held you very dear and we recalled the loss of your mom when we were but teens. It is a shame distance held you two apart but we all have out lives to live. Bless you and Mike for the prayers as they mean more than any of us can calculate. Thank you for the kind note and yes.. I cherish all of our time together.
Doug
Doug and family, so sorry to hear and read of your loss of Athena. Our prayers and condolences are with you and yours, May your healing begin.
John, she has been battling health issues since she worked with you many years ago, Cancer took her too soon.. but she battled it until the very end. Thank you for the kind note.
Doug
Will keep Bywater family in my prayers she is in peaceful place
Thank you, she is without pain that she has suffered for many many years.,
Doug
My condolences to the Bywaters family and friends. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
Thank you for the kind words and attending her celebration of life.