Mary Louise (Means) Lyons

Mary Louise Means Lyons was born February 13, 1939, to Bert Clark and Louise Geraldine Means, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The fourth child and first girl, she was a sister to three brothers, Bert William (deceased), Morris (deceased), Donald Gaylord (deceased), and sister, Helen Bernice.

In January 1945 she began attending John Hope Elementary School #26, Indianapolis; and in January 1953 attended Crispus Attucks High School, Indianapolis; from which she graduated in January 1957 – 13th in her graduating class. Majoring in Business Education and English, her studies prepared her for employment at Indiana Bell Telephone, and later at the Indiana State Library.

Mary accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour and was baptized in February 1948, at the New Bethel Baptist Church, Indianapolis; pastored by Rev. George Baltimore. Coming from a strong Christian family, being an active member of the Church was expected. At an early age her paternal grandmother, Mary Means, Cradle Roll Teacher, took her to Sunday School. Serving later, on the Junior Usher Board, Jr. Choir, The Girl’s Guild; at the age of sixteen, the charge of the Sunday School Teacher was passed to her from her grandmother.

Little did she know, God had her in training for becoming a minister’s wife. In August 1959, while teaching Vacation Bible School, a very close friend, introduced her to Fitzhugh Lee Lyons. On Saturday, July 15, 1961 they became husband and wife. Their first son, David Lee, was still born December 14, 1963. God had other plans for them and on February 28, 1965, He gave them another son, Fitzhugh Jr., and December 31, 1966, came Mark Alan.

Mary’s calling is not only as a minister’s wife, but motherhood as well. Her greatest joy, loving and working with children, young and old, is a treasure. Being a grandmother is very important to her; she is an old-fashioned, spare the rod, spoil the child, kind of grandma. Her last teaching assignment was the Adult Sunday School Class, one which was very inspiring, informative and very challenging; quite a joy.

She truly loves God, her family, her Galilee family and endeavors to demonstrate His kind of love to everyone. Her greatest desire, in addition to saving souls, is to please God, and send up sweet savors everyday; that He would be pleased.