Obituary for Samuel Alonzo Lyons

Samuel Alonzo Lyons was born on January 25th, 1941, to the Late Nathan Porter Lyons and Gertrude Williams Lyons in Philadelphia, PA.  He was the youngest of three children; sister, Barbara T. Bruno and brother Nathan Robert Lyons, preceded him in death.  On March 8th, 2023, after a strong battle, the Lord called him Home. 

He grew up in a religious household. At an early age he was an altar boy at Saint Thomas Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, PA.  Sam attended the Philadelphia Public School system where he graduated from John Bartram High School.  He then honorably served on active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1963.  After serving in the U.S. Navy, he worked for the Philadelphia Cab Co. for a short time, then worked for SEPTA until he retired.

Sam loved listening to jazz, going fishing and shooting pool.  He was an avid reader, and a great cook, one of his specialties was seafood salad.

Sam married the love of his life Janice Holloman on July 6th, 1977.

Sam was all about family.  He had the biggest heart and would do whatever he could for anyone without hesitation.  Sam was a loving and caring father always there for his girls no matter what, there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them.  His son-in-law Antonio Adams was the son he never had, he loved and respected the way Antonio loved and took care of our daughter and grandkids.

Sam was a devoted and loving husband, always seeing that I had what I needed and things that I didn’t need but wanted. Always telling me I was the best thing that happened in his life, that I changed his life for the better.  I will truly miss our morning ritual of having a cup of coffee on the sun porch and listening to Joe Madison.

Daddy liked to play cards, and once he retired loved to watch NCIS and daytime talk shows.  He liked football (Go State! Go EAGLES!).  He made sure to take his family to the shore every summer.  He was so easy to talk to, always unbiased, extremely honest, and with just the right amount of love and compassion.  He was proud and taught us to be the same.  He wished us peace and blessing daily and was always there cheering us on.  I’m going to miss him so much.  Always a daddy’s girl (Kimmy).

Pop, you are amongst the angels now, I love you and miss you dearly.  You have taught me and shown me so much over the years, but 2 things stand out most, 1) anyone can change if they want to, they just have to put it in their heart too, you lived it and showed it, and 2) GOD loves you and keeps you safe! Through you, I witnessed and experienced the love and mercy of GOD!  I am forever grateful! I know and understand why you always said that now. (Tone)

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 45 years Janice H. Lyons; his children: Marsha, Kimberly, Monica Adams (Antonio), Samantha.  Ten grandchildren: Teraya, Amir, Ayden, Angelina, Miley, Suhaila, Antonio II (AJ), Aaila, Malia, Sanaa and one great grandson: Alonzo; brothers-in-law: Tommy, Dennis, Kim; sisters-in-law: Brenda, Bertha, Ellen, Agnes, Donna, Renee, Angie, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.