SR0543 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0543 LRB102 20869 ECR 29752 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Reverend Alphonso Lyons Jr. of Peoria, who passed away on September 21, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Alphonso Lyons was born in Peoria to Alphonso Sr. and Ellora (Derrick) Lyons on March 22, 1949; he graduated from Manual High School in 1967 and from Bradley University in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Religious Studies; he later received a master's degree in Education and Administration from Bradley; he was ordained in 1974; he married Cheryl G. Green in 1975, and they had two children together; he later married Charlene Grant Coates, and they raised five children together; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Alphonso Lyons served as an assistant pastor under the guidance of Dr. Wendall R. Phillips at Mount Zion Baptist Church; in May of 1974, he began serving as interim pastor; in October of 1974, the church selected him as the head pastor, where he has been known for his gentleness and his dynamic teaching style; he also worked as a substitute teacher for Peoria Public Schools for many years, teaching several subjects, including French; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Alphonso Lyons donated his time and talents to numerous organizations, including serving as chairman of the Peoria Christian Leadership Council, as moderator of the Central District Congress, as past president of the Central District Association, as chairman of the board of the Peoria Christian Leadership Council, as a member of the Peoria Baptist Ministerial Alliance, as a member of the Peoria Ministerial Economic Development organization, as a member of the Committee to Establish a Peoria Charter School, as a member of the Peoria Lion's Club, as a board member of the Manual High School Advisory Board, as past president of the Central District Congress, as a past corresponding secretary for the Baptist General State Convention of Illinois (2002-2008), as a past instructor for the Central District Congress, as a past instructor for the Baptist General State Convention of Illinois (1976-1979), and as a past secretary for the PAMA (Peoria Area Ministerial Association); he also was a former contributing writer to the religious column in the Peoria Journal Star; and

WHEREAS, Always looking for ways to make his church and the community more financially grounded, Reverend Alphonso Lyons founded Mount Zions' Effort to Equip the Community (METEC), a community development corporation that provides resources to help families and individuals with housing and employment; he served on METEC's board since its inception in 2001; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Alphonso Lyons was preceded in death by his father and four grandchildren, Jeremiah Hayes, Deshaun Hayes, Jazmine "BJ" Ivy, and Brandon Grant; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Alphonso Lyons is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Charlene Lyons; his children, Devon Lyons, Frank Coates, Willie Coates, Crystal Grant, and Danielle Lyons; his loving mother, Ellora Lyons; his siblings, Michael Lyons, Don (Annie) Lyons, Curtis Lyons, Charla (Rev. James) Fleming, Cheryll (Keith) Boswell, and Ruthi Lyons; his 20 grandchildren; his host of great-grandchildren; his host of nieces and nephews; and his other relatives, friends and the Mount Zion Baptist Church family; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Reverend Alphonso Lyons Jr. and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Reverend Alphonso Lyons as an expression of our deepest sympathy.