Our beloved husband, father and man of God Pastor Ed Lyons was born on November 4, 1948, in Birmingham, Alabama to Ed Lyons, Sr. and Lillie B. Mauldin. Predeceasing him were his mother, father and brother Chris.

He received his elementary and secondary education in public and private schools in Birmingham and Mobile Alabama. He attended Christian schools and Academies. Ephesus SDA Academy in Birmingham, AL, and Christian school in Mobile, AL - Dearborn SDA School. It became clear early on that Ed’s academic prowess was apparent with all his teachers, mentors, counselors and principals. He attended Central High school in Mobile, Alabama, where he finished near the top of his class. Oakwood College (now University and an HBCU), is where he majored in history with a minor in secondary education and English, graduating in 1972 with a Bachelor's Degree. He then did graduate work in history and other pursuits in the liberal arts arena, where received a Master’s of Education Degree from Cleveland State University of Cleveland, Ohio.

God had laid his hands on Ed and anointed him for a greater work that had been augmented by his early Christian education and his strong spiritual family foundation. Those who knew Pastor intimately would say that his service to Christ and the community is a dedication to lifting humanity. Many knew Pastor Lyons to have a sense of humor with funny one-liners and unmatched humor which never declined.

Pastor Lyons taught school for approximately 14 years on various levels before entering the world of social/community service which he served for over 20 years. He served at the Urban League of Bergen County, Northside Forces as well as the Director of the United Passaic Organization Community Action Agency to fight poverty in the city of Passaic, NJ.

Pastor Lyons received his religious training through the Seventh Day Adventist Church, which intensified through Oakwood College & the Adventist College. Over time he was led to Abundant Life Tabernacle in the Bronx, New York where he was baptized and received the Holy Ghost. Elder Lyons served in many capacities in his calling to help build ministries throughout the body of Christ. Elder Lyons entered into the gospel of ministry in 1986. In 1997 Elder Lyons became a part of Truth and Deliverance Ministries of Englewood, NJ. In January 2000 Pastor & Mrs. Lyons were led to be a part of the Rehoboth Church of God in Christ in the Bronx, New York. In the year of 2011 Elder Lyons was brought back to NJ to be the pastor of Rock of Ages Tabernacle in Bergenfield/ Hackensack NJ. Elder Lyons has made a mark within the community as well as the body of Christ and touched many souls. Pastor Lyons was a pillar of the community.

Pastor Lyons leaves to cherish his very distinguished legacy: his beautiful and anointed wife Elder Mavis Lyons, daughters: Valrene Vives (Roberto) - (Selkirk, NY) Angelique McFadden (Reggie) - (Hackensack, NJ), sons: Lennox Wilson - (Hazel) (Hackensack, NJ), Voybert Wilson (Bergenfield, NJ), Chris Crider (Aleta) Maryland, Grandchildren: Clyde Goffe, LaSonda Wilson, Andres’ Vives, Ashley Vives, Darren Wilson, Kiera Wilson, Darius Wilson, Imari Wilson, Joshua Crider & Caleb Crider

Great grandchildren Gavin, Liam, Nina, Carter & Kali. Special cousins: Gazetta, Meredith, Carol Owens, Michael Johnson, Dana Dansby, Wallace Malone, and a whole host of relatives, friends, co-workers and church family.