Mrs. Ellora Esteen Lyons

Mrs. Ellora Esteen Lyons, 96, transitioned to her heavenly home at 11:17 pm on Sunday, August 13, 2023 at her residence surrounded by her family. Ellora E. Lyons, was born on February 16, 1927 in Eufaula, OK to Charles and Roberta Derrick. She graduated from Dubois High School in Muskogee, OK. Ellora married the love of her life, Alphonso Lyons, Sr., from that union seven children were born. She worked at Fleming & Potter, Inc. for 30 years as a Label Sampler. After retiring, she volunteered at Methodist Hospital for 25 years. She received an award for more than 4000 volunteer service hours. She was affectionately nicknamed “Pigeon” by an uncle because of how fast she rode a horse when she was a young girl and because of how her feet pointed inward when she walked. That nicknamed carried into her adult life. The only people that called her “Pigeon” were her siblings and late husband. Ellora was a faithful member of Grace Baptist Church for more than 60 years. She was instrumental in the kitchen and providing culinary service for programs at the church. Her heart was missionary work. She exemplified this love with the Women’s Mission and the United Christian Mission. Through the United Christian Mission she and her late husband and several members of Grace Baptist Church would visit nursing home residents every Saturday. Once a year the United Christian Mission hosted an annual dinner for all nursing home residents in Peoria. A tradition she continued for forty years until her health no longer allowed her. Ellora leaves to cherish her most precious memories, three sons, Michael Lyons of Richmond, CA, Don (Annie) Lyons of Sumpter, SC and Curtis Lyons of Peoria, IL; three daughters, Charla (Rev. James) Flemming, Cheryll (Keith) Boswell and Ruthie Lyons all of Peoria, IL; and daughter-in-law, Charlene Lyons of Peoria, IL; two brothers, John Derrick of Muskogee, OK and MacArthur Derrick of Joplin, MO; two sisters, Lois Rush of Muskogee, Ok and Pearl Brewer of Peoria, IL, ten grandchildren, a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends who loved her. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son, Rev. Alphonso Lyons, Jr., six brothers, Leo Derrick, Bonnie Derrick, Atchielee Derrick, L.C. Derrick and George Derrick and one sister, Mattie Diles. Funeral services will be at 11 am on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at Grace Baptist Church with a visitation beginning at 10 am. Pastor Claude White, Jr. will be the host pastor and Pastor Jeffrey Foreman will officiate. Mother Lyons will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

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Mrs. Ellora Esteen Lyons

February 16, 1927 - August 13, 2023