Ann Patricia Lyons

Born on August 15, 1971 in Orlando, Florida, Ann Patricia Lyons was 53 years old when she passed into the hands of the Lord on Sunday, December 1, 2024 while she was in Delaware sharing Thanksgiving with her sister’s family. She was preceded in death by her loving father, M. Wayne Lyons, on November 30, 2023. Ann’s influence and legacy is profound. She was loved, honored, and respected by everyone she met, and she leaves behind many who will miss her greatly, including her mother, Patricia Lyons; 7 siblings (Jody Cross, Dawn Lyons, Stacie Mann, Timothea Lyons, Cherie Suters, Jamie Morrison, Joseph Lyons); and 14 nieces and nephews (listed in birth order: Hannah Mann, Skye-Lee Lyons, Kaiden Ward, Landon Lyons, Kaiya Ward, Bryce Cross, Keegan Ward, Kierra Ward, Logan Cross, Kylie Morrison, Nolan Suters, Kaleigha Harmon, Koralina Suters, Kallista Suters). Ann had a strong faith in the Lord, and was a long-time member of Southeast Christian Church, in Orlando, where she was baptized and accepted Christ as her Savior in 1987. For seven years, Ann was the co-director of the Children’s Ministry at Southeast and co-director of VBS with Diane Goodson. She also coached Beginner Bible Bowl teams that competed nationally. Most recently she was a member of Encounter Christian Church in Winter Park, Florida where she regularly attended Life Group. In addition, she joined her good friends, Diane Goodson and Judi Dunwoody, as a virtual member of three different Missouri Bible Study Groups. Ann lived in Orlando her entire life. As a 1989 graduate of Colonial High School, she was involved in marching band and in the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra. She attended college at the University of Central Florida where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1993 and played viola in the UCF Orchestra. She went on to obtain her Master of Education degree in 2006 from Stetson University. As a teacher and member of the leadership team at Eccleston Elementary School, Ann cherished her students and was an exceptional teacher. In 2000, she was awarded Disney’s “Teacherrific Award.” Beginning in 2001, Ann developed a series of medical issues, including a diagnosis of dystonia. She had DBS (deep brain stimulation) surgery in 2008 and shortly after, retired from the education field. Despite her numerous medical issues, Ann remained steadfast in her faith and love of Christ. She often wrote and spoke to her sisters and friends about her faith in God and the peace she felt in accepting His timing and His process. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” Psalm 56:3-4 Ann felt most at peace when gardening, reading, memorizing Bible verses, and being a rock of support and cheerleader for her many siblings, nieces and nephews. She turned her tiny concrete patio into a colorful, lush, oasis that was a marvel to all who saw it. She was always the first to say congratulations, check in on someone struggling, offer a listening ear, or share valued advice. As the oldest sibling of our large family, Ann was truly our heart, and our rock. Everyone who knew Ann wishes they had more time with her, but she has been called back to the Lord. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:17. One of Ann’s favorite verses was, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 A Celebration of Life will be held for Ann on December 14, 2024, at 2 pm at Encounter Christian Church in Winter Park, Florida. The family asks that attendees not wear black, but instead wear Christmas colors, or Ann’s favorite color, purple. A light reception will be provided afterwards. A livestream link will be available. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ann’s memory are encouraged to Encounter Christian Church or to Tyler’s Hope Foundation, which was established to advance research for a cure and effective treatments of dystonia. Before Ann passed, she received many transfusions of blood. We encourage anyone who can give the gift of a blood donation, to do so in her memory.

Ann Patricia Lyons

August 15, 1971 - December 1, 2024