V. Mae (Bailey) Lyons

V. Mae Lyons passed away unexpectedly on the evening of May 4, 2022, at Bickford of Rockford.  She was born on April 20, 1930, in Arkansas to John and Ora Bailey, the youngest of six children.  

She married the love of her life, Willard “Pete” Lyons in 1945 and together they raised four children and operated several businesses in the Rockford area.

Mae became quite the entrepreneur on her own in later life, opening a dance studio, painting amazing still lives in her own studio, traveling and performing with a senior lady’s ukulele band “The Golden Strummers”.   Not stopping there, she joined the Elk Lodge in Valdosta serving as an executive officer and then in some spare time started teaching dance classes at Valdosta State College.

Well known for her love of all things Elvis Presley, she could sing every song he recorded.  She was easy to spot moving around town with her customized walker and it’s “Blue Hawaii” license plate!

Mae is survived by her children: Barbara Davig, Larry Lyons, Sharon (Larry) Taylor, all of Rockford   eleven grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.  Plus, numerous very special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Predeceased by husband Willard, son Ronald and his twin sister Rosalind, great granddaughters Kayla and Summer, her parents and five siblings.

A Memorial Service will be May 16th, 2022, time 11:00 a.m., at Sundberg Funeral Home in Rockford Illinois.  Friends may visit Monday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the Funeral Home.

In Lieu of flowers please make donations to RAMP Center for Independent Living or ProMedica (Heartland Hospice) Memorial Fund.         

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