Mary Lyons

Mary Alice Lyons, age 75, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully of natural causes on May 26, 2026.

Today we gather together in love and remembrance to celebrate the beautiful life and legacy of Mary Alice Lyons—a faithful servant of God, a loving sister, aunt, bonus mother, friend, confidante, and a woman whose presence left a lasting mark on everyone blessed to know her.

Mary was born on May 3, 1951, in Marks, Mississippi, to the loving union of Will Jack Lyons and Ida Mae Wilson Lyons. In 1968, Mary moved with her parents from Clarksdale, Mississippi, to St. Louis, Missouri. She later graduated from Central High School and began what would become a devoted career at Barnes Hospital, where she worked for over 40 years before retiring.

Mary faithfully attended and became a member of Thessalonian Missionary Baptist Church, first under the late Pastor B.J. Ward and later under Pastor Andre Logan. She was a dedicated choir member until her health prevented her attendance. After retirement, she found joy and companionship at the Berkeley Senior Center, where she spent time fellowshipping and laughing with friends.

Mary had a giving spirit and a servant’s heart. She loved crocheting blankets and handmade gifts for others, even while courageously battling breast cancer. Her generosity extended beyond her family, as she donated blankets to Larry Rice Ministries to help provide warmth for those in need.

Anyone who knew Mary knew she was wonderfully feisty, outspoken, independent, and honest. She would tell you exactly what was on her mind—and then turn around and help you anyway. She might say, “You think money grows on trees?” only to lovingly follow with, “Well, how do you want me to get it to you?” That was Mary—strong, loving, protective, generous, and real.

Mary never desired attention for herself. She quietly supported others, preferring to uplift those around her without recognition. Yet her love, sacrifices, and kindness spoke volumes. Though our hearts are heavy, we thank God for the gift of her life. Mary leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, faith, service, laughter, and family devotion that will live on in all who knew her.

To all gathered today, let us honor Mary not only with tears, but with smiles, laughter, and cherished memories. Let us love one another as she loved us—wholeheartedly and without hesitation. The family encourages you to share your memories and stories so that her spirit may continue to live on in each of us.

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” > — 2 Corinthians 5:8

Family

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Will Jack Lyons and Ida Mae Lyons; her sisters, Minnie L. Meadows and Minnie Gene Clemons; and her brother, Ricky D. Lyons.

She is survived by her brother, William J. Lyons Sr. (Regina Lyons); her sister, Mary A. Bryant (James Bryant); her bonus daughter, Zhivago C. Walker; the niece and nephew she helped raise, Tracy Lyons and Terrill Lyons; and a special niece with whom Mary was raised as a child, Anita Pulliam. She also leaves behind a host of extended family members, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.