Elzena Lyons

Elzena Nancy Lyons was born on September 6, 1919, on the family farm in Edge, Texas. She was the youngest of 12 children born to the union of George Nathan Armstrong and Alice Belle Pigford Armstrong. Her fondest memories of life on the farm were fishing in the pond and riding horses with her sister, Adele and her brother, Tyree. At the age of 5, she and her family moved to Denver, Colorado. Shortly after their arrival in Denver, the family joined Central Baptist Church. Her mother, Alice, was an active member of the church. Elzena participated in Sunday school and accepted Christ at an early age. She attended Cheltenham Elementary School, Lake Jr. High School and Cole Jr. High School. After her father's death, she left school that she might work to assist her mother in supporting the family. Her first job was on Fridays as a "Shabbat Girl." She would light fires and perform other household tasks for Orthodox Jewish families whose practice prevented them from doing any work on their Sabbath. She also worked at the warplant during the war. On June 17, 1937, Elzena united in holy matrimony to Sandy Leon Lyons. To this union, two beautiful daughters, Verona Eloise and Sandra Leona were born. Not long after being married, Sandy accepted his call to the ministry. Elzena partnered in his ministry by working outside of the home and maintaining a comfortable and loving home for the family. Rev. Lyons' career in the ministry took him to La Junta, Colorado Springs, Casper, Wyoming and back to Denver, Colorado. In each city where her husband was called to pastor, she found work in private service to one of that city's leading families. She was admired and respected by her employers and in every situation, when it was time for her to leave, her employer family was sorry to see her go. In the days before African-Americans were welcomed to freely patronize city's hotels and restaurants, black people entertained in their homes. The Lyons home was frequented by visiting pastors, community leaders and other dignitaries. Elzena was renowned for her elegant table and her gourmet cooking. Her holiday dinners were legendary. Sister Lyons never knew who Rev Lyons may invite for Sunday dinner. However, all received her gracious hospitality. To save time, she would often put her dinner in the oven before leaving for church. On one occasion, important guests had been invited for dinner and an expensive prime rib roast had been placed in the oven to cook while the family attended church. On this particular Sunday, Rev Lyons was extremely long with his sermon. Subsequently, the prime rib roast burned in the oven. She vowed, "That will never happen again," and from that day forward, Elzena left church at 12:30 pm sharp, sermon ended or not. In 1955, Elzena was hired by the State of Colorado as a Cook at the Ridge Home and Training Center. The staff dining room was always filled when one of her signature entrees was on the menu. Through her employment with the State of Colorado, she not only earned her GED but also successfully completed many educational and professional development courses taken at The Emily Griffith School, the University of Colorado, Boulder and The University of Northern Colorado. These educational accomplishments were held in high esteem by her because she had to leave high school early. After her service at the Ridge Home and Training School, she served as Food Service Director at the Lookout Mountain School for Boys and at The Phillip Gilliam Center. She was very proud that she had been late for work only once in her entire career. In 1985, she retired after 28 years of distinguished service. In her retirement, she enjoyed accompanying her husband to conferences, conventions and social events. She and her husband also travelled extensively to visit friends and family. She was known as a "black belt" shopper. She was as comfortable at Saks Fifth Avenue, as she was at the Goodwill and The Salvation Army. Elzena was a woman who enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends. She shared a special closeness with her sister, Adelle. She also enjoyed the special moments spent with her great grandchildren and great great grandchildren and they loved the special time spent with her. She leaves a void that can never be filled. To know Elzena was to love her. She is preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Reverend Sandy L. Lyons; her parents and all eleven siblings. Elzena Nancy Lyons departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on December 26, 2014, in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include, her two daughters, Verona E Reddic and Sandra L Pickford; 6 grandchildren, Denise M. Newman, Sandy J. A. Reddic, Eunice A. (Michael) Owens, H. L. Vincent Pickford, Charles B. Reddic, Sr. and Leon C. T. Pickford; 6 great-grandchildren, Aletha Hill Segura, Dameion Higley, Eljay Higley, Veronica Reddic, Charles B Reddic, Jr. and Katrina Moseman; 8 great-great grandchildren, Blair Howard, Sienna Seguro, Saya Seguro, Nevaeh Higley, Dameiyon Reddic, Destiny Reddic, Nadia Higley and Quincy Reddic and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 1/5/2015 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 1/6/2015 at 11:00 AM - St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church - 3125 Humboldt Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 1/6/2015 - Following the Service Highland Cemetery - 10201 Grant Street Thornton, CO