Amherst, MA – Myra Frances Bias passed away on April 13, 2026, at the age of 86.
She was born on July 16, 1939, in New Haven, Connecticut, the daughter of Frances and Norman Corey, and was raised in Amherst, Massachusetts. She graduated from Amherst High School and later earned an associate degree from Holyoke Junior College.
On July 29, 1961, Myra was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Throughout her life, she faithfully served alongside her husband and was associated with four congregations in Massachusetts. She devoted 29 years as a pioneer minister and, most recently, was a member of the Feeding Hills-Agawam Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Myra found deep joy and purpose in studying God’s Word. She cherished learning about Jehovah as the Creator, Jesus Christ and the ransom sacrifice, and the good news of God’s established heavenly Kingdom to “those rightly disposed to everlasting life.” Motivated by her faith, she sought to glorify Jehovah and to share what she learned with others. (Psalms 83:18; Acts 13:48; Matthew 24:14).
In her personal life, Myra greatly enjoyed vegetable gardening and preparing meals from her harvest, but her greatest delight came from her flower gardens. She lovingly designed many gardens, each with its own floral theme. She enjoyed studying different types of plants-their interaction, benefits, fragrances, and colors-with violet being her favorite. She was generous in sharing flowers with neighbors and fellow congregation members.
On December 21, 1957, she married James Ross Bias of Amherst. Together, they raised five children. Her family remembers her fondly for her love, knowledge, zeal, industriousness, generosity, and sense of humor.
She is survived by her children, James Jr., Liana, Michael, Todd, and Joel; one grandchild, Brittani; seven great-grandchildren; as well as other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, James and sister, Madeline.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 17 Pomeroy Lane, Amherst, MA 01002
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