Remembering Dr. Lyons
Dr. Bonita Lyons (affectionately known as”B”, Bonita or Doc) entered into eternal rest on May 8, 2017, surrounded by her family. Bonita’s life was a model of encouragement and perseverance, both in her professional life and in her life of faith. Bonita was born in New Albany, MS, on June 29, 1946. Preceding her in death were her parents V. T. and Mary Ruth Aldridge Lyons. She is survived by her sister ZonaDale Taylor (Charles) of Collierville, TN, numerous cousins and an extensive number of U of M “children and family.” She was a member of The Church of the Holy Communion, and a faithful member of the Thursday morning Bible study class until her health declined. In life, she followed the example of Jesus’ compassion as she purposefully journeyed with students, friends and family through the various chances and changes of this life. Bonita will be deeply missed, yet we celebrate the peace and fullness of life she now enjoys in God’s nearer presence. A graduate of the University of Mississippi, Bonita taught math at Longview Middle school and at Wooddale High school for a time. She began working as a counselor for Shelby State Community College in Memphis in 1972. While still working at SSCC, she enrolled at the University of Memphis in 1977, earning her Doctor of Education in Personnel Services. Dr. Lyons became the Director, Essential Skills Program for Shelby State from 1979-1981, and the Telecourse Director/ Assistant Director, Continuing Education until 1985. That same year, she became a member of the University of Memphis faculty and staff, inspiring countless adult students and numerous student athletes to persevere and complete their degrees at the University. Dr. Lyons was named the Director of Academic Status and Retention Services in 1992 and held that post until her retirement from the University in August of 2008. She received the Pyramid Award for Student Services in 2001 and the Distinguished Professional Advising Award in March of 2003. She was the 2009 award winner for the Ralph Hatley Silver M Award. She served as a board member for the Mid-South Association for Training and Development, the Tennessee Board of Regents Ad Hoc Committee on developmental education, and an active member of the University of Memphis Association of Retirees. Continuing her lifelong dedication of caring for others and her interest in furthering education, in death, she donated her body to Genesis/MERI for scientific medical research. CARES, The Center for Academic Retention and Enrichment Services, at the University of Memphis, is an outgrowth of her dedication to caring and helping students complete their degrees at the University. Just as she shepherded so many through this life, we invite you to continue her legacy of service and faith by contributing to the Dr. Bonita Lyons CARES Student Emergency Scholarship Fund, which is dedicated to helping students in need, by visiting the following url: http://supportum.memphis. edu/Bonita_Lyons_Memorial or sending an e-mail to cares@memphis.edu with the subject line “Bonita Lyons CARES Student Emergency Scholarship Fund.”
Memorial Service
In thanksgiving for the life of Dr. Bonita Lyons Tuesday May 23, 2017 s 5:00 p.m.
“AMAZING GRACE”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NANCY CHASE, M.D. OPENING SENTENCES COLLECT The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our sister Bonita. We thank you for giving her to us, her family and friends, to know and to love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our course on earth, until, by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord. A Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ecclesiastes 3: 1-18 Words of Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Reverend Nyrone Hawkins A Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 23 Homily . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Reverend Ben Badgett PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *The congregation’s response to the prayers is, “Hear us, Lord.” THE LORD’S PRAYER (RECITED IN UNISON) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Personal Reflections/Expressions (2 Minutes, Please). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Family & Friends
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MEMORIAL VIDEO PRESENTATION
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THE COMMENDATION Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting. You only are immortal, the creator and maker of mankind; and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and to earth shall we return. For so did you ordain when you created me, saying, “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.” All of us go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia,alleluia. Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting. Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant, Bonita. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive her into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen. THE BLESSING Alleluia. Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia. Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Thanks be to God. The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the eternal covenant: Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. BEETHOVEN’S ODE TO JOY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
s AAcknowledgment
The family and loved ones of Dr. Bonita Lyons are sincerely grateful and humbled by the many thoughtful expressions of love and outpouring of concern shown during our bereavement. Your prayers, words of encouragement, visits and every act of kindness have blessed and brought us comfort.
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“Support us, Lord, all the day long, until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work done; then Lord, in your mercy, give us safe lodging, a holy rest and peace at the last. Amen� ~A New Zealand Prayer Book