In Memory of Lisa Bilbrey Hyder

Author: Ruth Walker and Sharon Alexander

Lisa Bilbrey Hyder was an inspiring leader, beloved by her colleagues and the broader community. Her tireless work as Co-President and later as President of the LWV of Chattanooga played a vital role in empowering voters and fostering civic engagement throughout the Chattanooga area. Lisa’s legacy of service, leadership, and commitment to democracy will be cherished for years to come.

Key Contributions to the LWV of Chattanooga:

• Co-Presidency (2018-2021): Lisa Bilbrey Hyder was elected Co-President of the LWV of Chattanooga in February 2018 and continued in the role independently throughout 2019 until she had to set back due to her health in 2021. She helped lead the organization through those critical first years, including the league’s official recognition as a full-fledged chapter by the national LWV in September 2018​.
• Voter Registration Initiatives: Under Lisa’s leadership, the LWV of Chattanooga registered over 469 new voters during the 2019-2020 election cycle. The league targeted high school and college students, particularly from underrepresented areas, and partnered with community organizations to ensure inclusive voter outreach. Lisa’s efforts were instrumental in obtaining a $700 Youth Voter Registration Grant that enabled voter registration drives in 13 schools​.
• Civics Education: Lisa was a central figure in organizing a popular three-part Civics 101 education series at The Chattery, teaching citizens about government functions at the federal, state, and local levels​. These classes were well-received and contributed to a deeper understanding of government processes among Chattanooga residents.
• Candidate Forums: Lisa co-led the organization of several successful candidate forums, including a highly praised event co-sponsored by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) in 2018​. These forums provided voters with valuable opportunities to engage directly with candidates and make informed choices.
• Diversity and Inclusion Efforts: One of Lisa’s key priorities was increasing diversity within the LWV of Chattanooga’s membership and leadership. She helped plan recruitment events like the “Sweet Diversity” social and worked to ensure the league reflected the diverse communities it aimed to serve​.

Lisa inspired many through her leadership and commitment to empowering voters and promoting democracy. Sadly, Lisa resigned as President in early 2021 after being diagnosed with cancer. Although she had to shift her focus to her health, Lisa never lost her deep affection for the League. She recently confided in her friend and current member, Brenda Nunn, about how much she loved and missed working with the LWV. The League was special to Lisa, a testament to the impact the League and our mission had on her life. Her legacy of passion and dedication will continue to resonate within the League and the broader Chattanooga community she so profoundly touched.

Please consider joining us to honor Lisa. Her memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 15 at Companion Funeral Home, 6018 John Douglas Drive, Chattanooga, TN. Visitation begins at 1 p.m., and the service will start at 2 p.m.