Cyrena W. Persons

Cyrena W. Persons, 81, of Asheville, NC and Cabot, VT died peacefully at her Asheville home on Thursday, April 19, 2012 surrounded by her six children. A native of Vermont, she was born to the late Jacob and Clara (Phelps) Woods on October 22, 1930 in Burlington, Vt. She attended schools in Montpelier, Calais and Cabot as well as Hartford, Connecticut. She married Mason D. "Pete" Persons on September 30, 1947 who predeceased her in 1993. For 36 years, she and Pete operated a dairy farm in Cabot, Vermont. A brother, Chester Woods predeceased her in 1989. She pursued a love of family, accounting, reading, braiding rugs, quilting, sewing, doll making, smocking, painting, drawing, gardening, line dancing and teaching others her life skills. She is survived by her children Frank J. Persons and wife Jeanne of Fairfield Vt., Lucas K. Persons and wife Terri, and Aaron D. Persons and wife Danielle both of Walden, Vt., Christina Findlay of East Burke, Vt., Rebecca Donnet and husband Louis of Rochester, Vt., and Emily Houston and husband David of Bakersfield, Vt., as well as 14 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her husband James Hilford whom she married on August 4, 2002. A memorial service and reception will take place at her Asheville home on Saturday, April 21 at 2 PM. A Vermont celebration and burial will be held in May. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Cyrena may be made to the United Church of Cabot, PO Box 127, Cabot, Vt 05647. The Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave., Asheville, NC is in charge of the arrangements.