Dr. Elizabeth M. Lyons

Dr. Elizabeth M. Lyons was born on December 1, 1940 in Riverview (Valley), Alabama to LaFayette and Lottie McCarton. She passed surrounded by those who cherished her on Monday, June 14, 2010. Dr. Lyons was a lifelong educator who dedicated her professional career to teaching. She and her sisters were the first African Americans from Riverview to go to college which contributed to the high value she placed on education. She earned a B.S. degree in elementary education from Alabama State University. Continuing her education at the University of Georgia, she earned a M. Ed. degree in Early Childhood Education. In 1982, Dr. Lyons earned a Ed. D. degree in Education Administration from Atlanta University. Working in the school system throughout her college career and beyond, Dr. Lyons held a multitude of positions including; staff development, teacher, and principal. One her proudest accomplishment was helping to integrate the Clayton County school system as one of the first African American teachers. She retired from the Atlanta Public School System as Principal of C.W. Hill Elementary in 2000. She was the grateful mother of one son, Minister Jerome Brown who resides in Atlant...[more]

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Returning to Valley in 2000, Dr. Lyons went to work in her beloved hometown. One of her most endeared projects was researching the black history of Valley. She met and talked with people compiling a database base that she eventually wanted to turn into a book. She loved people and her wisdom, patience, and compassion endeared people to her. Always wanting to improve the life of people, she entered into the political arena and was elected as the District 4 Representative on city council. Her many affiliations included: Alabama Silver Legislature, Alabama Rural Action Committee, Southern Union State College Foundation Board, Finance Committee -- Valley, Public Health and Safety Committee (Chair), Events Committee (Chair), Recreation Committee, Valley Historic Preservation Commissioner -- Former, Council's Liaison, VHPC Commission, City of Valley Black History Committee (Chair), Valley Senior Center's Advisory and Screening committee, Valley Zoning Board of Adjustments, Valley Vision Committee, Valley's Minority Affairs Advisory Committee (Chair), Co-Author, "Birth of A City" Story of the incorporation of the City of Valley, Valley Community Development Corporation -- Advisory Member, Valley Haven Quality Enhancement Committee (President), Alabama Democratic Conference - Member. Most importantly, Dr. Lyons was a born again Christian who knew without doubt that she was saved by the blood of Jesus. She was a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church, Lanett, Alabama (Pastor Frank Kennedy, Jr.). Although she relocated to Valley, she cherished Salem Bible Church, Atlanta, Georgia (Sr. Pastor Jasper Williams, Jr. and Pastor Joe Williams) and The Church of Gwinnett, Norcross, Ga. (Pastor Jasper Williams III). It was not uncommon for Dr. Lyons to support other churches and pastors in Valley, Lanett, West Point, and surrounding areas. Dr. Lyons is survived by her only child, Min. Melvin Jerome Brown; a sister, Mrs. Roberta Williams-Todd (Dr. Ben Todd); one brother-n-law, Pastor Jasper Williams, Jr., one niece, Mrs. Charmine Johnson (Chad); 3 nephews: Mr. Reuben Brown (Donna), Pastor Jasper Williams III (Alecia), Pastor Joe Williams; great nieces and nephews: Chase Alexander Johnson, Chandler Timothy Johnson, Ashley Lynn Brown, Christopher Jordan Brown, Jordan Alyse Williams, and Jasper Williams IV; extended family: Oscar Cook, Kevin Cook (Michelle -- Katherine), Wanda Cook; and a host of loving and very special cousins, other family and friends. Interment: Fairview Cemetery In Valley