Shirley M. Lyons

Shirley Mae Riddick Lyons was born June 29, 1943, to the late Linwood Riddick and Ernestine Riddick in Whaleyville, VA. She transitioned this life at her home on Saturday, August 23, 2025, with her husband, Curtis Lyons, by her side.

 Shirley dedicated her life and helped lead others to Christ. She visited other neighboring churches in the county. Shirley was educated in Gates County and graduated from Central High School in 1962. Shirley married Curtis Lyons in 1972, and they traveled to Florida and other places, always happily together. She enjoyed sewing, especially making and designing jewelry, shopping, traveling, and working in various businesses. She worked at Rite Aid for over 25 years as a cashier, and customers loved her. She was lovingly known as "Miss Shirley". Many of the customers didn't mind showering her with gifts of love. 

Shirley leaves behind cherished memories with her loving husband of 52 years, Elder Curtis Lyons; a devoted son, Rayford Riddick; three step-daughters, Gloria Coats of Suffolk, VA, Lisa Bayes of Atlanta, GA and Antoinette Cooper (Erek) of Hampton; stepson, Nathaniel Goodwin of Suffolk; three brothers, Reverend Linwood (Emma) Riddick, Carlton (Selma) Riddick of Gates, N.C, and Michael Riddick of Elizabeth City, N.C.; two sisters, Joyce Jones of Piscataway, N.J and Bobby Jean (David) of Gatesville, N.C and aunt, Sarah Ruth Riddick; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

 A public viewing will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 pm, Friday, September 5, 2025, in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel of Crocker Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at King's Grove Pentecostal Holiness Church; the family will be assembling at 10 am, an hour before the service at Crocker Funeral Home to process to the church. Mrs. Lyons will be laid to rest at Nansemond-Suffolk Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.