Priscilla “Pokey” Scott Lyman, 87, of Townshend, VT., passed away peacefully at the Center for Living and Rehabilitation in Rutland, VT on March 28, 2026. Priscilla was born on June 4, 1938 in Huntington, Long Island to the late BW (Jack) and Ruth (Thompson) Lyman.
                Pokey was a natural educator and traveler. After high school she went on to earn her BS in Elementary Education from SUNY, Cortland, NY in 1960 and then her Masters in Education from the University of Hartford. During that time, she taught the children of the US Armed Forces 1960’s into 1970’s at US Military Bases in Germany and Japan. After extensive world traveling, she returned to the States and settled in West Hartford, CT where she taught for many years. 
                 Pokey eventually moved and settled to Townshend, VT so she could care for her aging parents, where upon she worked as a Hostess for the Grafton Inn. After her parents’ death, Pokey returned to teaching, working at the Newfane Elementary School until she retired at 62. When she wasn’t working, Pokey was active in her community. She was very involved with the Townshend Church singing alto in the choir and the community chorus for a number of years. Pokey was a devoted volunteer at the Grace Cottage Hospital Fair Day. She continued to do volunteer work at Valley Village Independent and Assisted Living until she could no longer drive. She spent her final years with peers at Valley Village Independent Living and then Valley Village Assisted Living in Townshend. Unfortunately her condition declined significantly requiring her transfer to Rutland Center for Living and Rehabilitation. 
                 In addition to spending her retirement volunteering, Pokey began to embrace her inner artist, focusing on printed block art which could be viewed at the annual Hospital Fair Days over the years. Her art was also displayed in other Art Shows and could be seen in various locations including GCH along with private homes. 
                 Along with her parents, Pokey was predeceased by her older sister Pauline (Polly) L. Wright, and a niece Mildred (Muffie) Locke. Pokey is survived and will be missed by her brother A.T. (Tom) Lyman and his wife Joan in Fort Mill, S.C., her nieces, Ruth T. Fleming and spouse Eddie J. Benoit, Jr. of Townshend, VT, Holly L. Fleming and spouse Edward B. Marrinan of W. Townshend, VT, Stacy and Howard Murphy of Waxhaw, N.C., her nephews Harry H. Fleming of Maine, Tom and Margaret Lyman of Ellicott City, MD and Jim and Wendy Lyman of Fredericksburg VA. All the nieces and nephews have memories of Pokey sharing in the family time together in Vermont. Her family fondly remembers her cooking skills especially with her homemade pies. Thanksgiving and Christmas were extra special with her contributions each year. She was always interested in what was happening with each of them throughout their lives. Pokey also leaves behind multiple great nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. 
                 If anyone would like to offer a donation in her memory, please consider the Grace Cottage Foundation or Windham County Humane Society. Please check sites online and instructions for donating may be found there. 
                 The family would like to thank all of the staff at Grace Cottage Hospital, Valley Village Independent and Assisted Living, and the staff at the Rutland Center for Living and Rehabilitation. Words cannot fully express their gratitude for all of the care, attention, kindness, along with medical expertise that she received over the years. A special thank you to Dr. Tim Shafer who acted as her PCP for 42 years. God Bless you all. There will be no formal services at Pokey’s request. Phaneuf Funeral Home and Crematorium have been entrusted with arrangements. To view an online tribute, leave a message of condolence or for more information please visit www.phaneuf.net.