ABOUT PASTOR & LADY LYONS
His Calling
The ministry of Dr. Steven L. Lyons is rooted in the timeless words of Isaiah 61:1–2:
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath anointed me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives...to comfort all that mourn."
These words continue to define his mission—to faithfully preach the Gospel, serve God's people with compassion, and lead with excellence, integrity, and unwavering faith.
Family
Dr. Lyons is married to the former Robin Nicole Johnson.
Together, they are blessed with three children and two cherished "grandkisses."
Community Leadership
Beyond ministry, Dr. Lyons has dedicated himself to serving both his profession and his community.
He is:
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A Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Phi Lambda Chapter)
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Former Associate National Chaplain of Alpha Phi Alpha
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Former President of the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service, appointed by Governor Roy Cooper
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A member of numerous state and national funeral service organizations
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A member of Selected Independent Funeral Homes
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An active member of the New Bern Avenue Corridor Alliance
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An active member of the Southeast Raleigh Community Development Corporation
Service Beyond the Pulpit
Dr. Lyons has faithfully served the African Methodist Episcopal Church at every level.
His service includes:
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Conference Trustee
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Judiciary Committee
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Board of Examiners
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RED Board, Inc.
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Co-Chair, Second Episcopal District Nehemiah Ministry
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Preliminary Inquisition Committee (Connectional Church)
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Delegate to the 2020 and 2024 General Conferences
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Alternate Delegate to the 2016 General Conference
Presiding Elder
On June 22, 2024, during the Second Episcopal District Planning Meeting, Dr. Lyons was appointed Presiding Elder of the Western District of the Western North Carolina Conference, providing leadership to 42 congregations stretching from Raleigh to Asheville.
His tenure was marked by visionary leadership and innovation, including:
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Launching the District's Facebook presence
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Establishing the District website
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Modernizing financial administration through technology
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Inspiring renewed energy around the District's mission:
"Serving God. Loving the People. Doing the Work."
Following this successful season of leadership, Dr. Lyons was appointed pastor of his home church, St. Paul AME Church in Raleigh, during the 134th Session of the Western North Carolina Annual Conference.
A Journey of Pastoral Leadership
Dr. Lyons began his ministerial journey at St. Paul AME Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Following his ordination as an Itinerant Deacon (2002) and Itinerant Elder (2004), he faithfully served several congregations throughout North Carolina, including:
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Allen Chapel AME Church – Laurinburg
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St. James AME Church – Winston-Salem
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Mt. Zion AME Church – Hillsborough
Under his leadership, each congregation experienced meaningful growth through strengthened ministries, innovative programs, financial stability, debt elimination, mortgage burnings, and significant facility improvements.
Academic Excellence
Dr. Lyons is committed to lifelong learning and spiritual growth. His educational accomplishments include:
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Associate of Science – Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service, Atlanta, Georgia
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Bachelor of Science (Summa Cum Laude) – St. Augustine's University, Raleigh, North Carolina
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Master of Divinity (Summa Cum Laude) – Shaw University Divinity School, Raleigh, North Carolina
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Doctor of Ministry – Hood Theological Seminary, Salisbury, North Carolina (2016)
He has also completed advanced studies at Penn State University, North Carolina State University, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
A Foundation of Faith
The Rev. Dr. Steven L. Lyons was born in Sanford, North Carolina, to Shirley Strong Lyons and the late James E. Lyons, Sr. He spent his formative years in Cameron and Rocky Mount, North Carolina, where he graduated from the Rocky Mount Public School System.
From an early age, God began preparing him for a life of ministry, leadership, and service.
Rev. Dr. Steven L. Lyons
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me..." — Isaiah 61:1–2
Lady Robin Lyons
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:” Psalm 139:14
A Strong Foundation
Mrs. Robin Nicole Lyons is a native of Raleigh, North Carolina, born to Harry Johnson and the late Patricia Diane Goode. She is a proud graduate of the Wake County Public School System, having earned her diploma from Garner Senior High School in Garner, North Carolina.
Her commitment to education has prepared her for a life of leadership, service, and professional excellence.
Education & Professional Achievement
Mrs. Lyons earned both her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (Pre-Law) and her Master of Science in Criminal Justice from North Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. She also completed post-baccalaureate studies at Meredith College in Raleigh.
A Certified Paralegal with more than 20 years of experience, Mrs. Lyons has built a distinguished career specializing in real estate law.
In May 2025, she graduated from the Funeral Service Program at Fayetteville Technical Community College and now serves alongside her husband as Vice President and Licensed Funeral Director of Steven L. Lyons Funeral Home in Raleigh, North Carolina.
A Heart for Ministry
Having professed her faith in Christ at an early age, Mrs. Lyons has faithfully served the Church through youth leadership and ministry in every congregation where she has held membership.
Following the rich legacy of her maternal family, who have been lifelong members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, she is a devoted member of St. Paul AME Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she serves as a member of the Addie G. Stroud Women's Missionary Society.
Supporting Kingdom Leadership
On June 22, 2024, when her husband, Rev. Dr. Steven L. Lyons, was appointed Presiding Elder of the Western District of the Western North Carolina Conference, Mrs. Lyons embraced her role as Western District Consultant and Administrative Aide to the Presiding Elder.
During that season of ministry, she:
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Developed the Western District website
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Established the District Facebook page
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Assisted with administrative leadership and communications
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Supported the ongoing ministry of service, outreach, and witness throughout the District
Following Dr. Lyons' appointment as Pastor of St. Paul AME Church during the 134th Session of the Western North Carolina Annual Conference, Mrs. Lyons joyfully entered a new chapter of ministry alongside her husband.
Community Leadership
Mrs. Lyons is passionate about serving both the Church and the broader community.
Her community involvement includes:
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Member, Junior League of Raleigh
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Former Assistant Captain, Membership Development Committee
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Member, Garner Woman's Club
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Charter Board Member, Focus Academy Charter School of Garner
Her dedication reflects a lifelong commitment to leadership, mentorship, and community engagement.
Family
Affectionately known as "Ms. Robin," Mrs. Lyons treasures her role as a wife, mother, and grandmother.
She is the proud mother of:
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Saivon I. Bucksell, Sr. (Maya), a United States Army veteran
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Michala J. Winstead, Customer Service Representative with Blue Cross Blue Shield and graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan College
She is also the loving grandmother of Malachi and twins Saivon Bucksell II and Zyra Rose, whom she affectionately calls her "Grandkisses."
A Life of Purpose
Mrs. Lyons believes deeply in the power of faith, family, lifelong learning, and encouraging others through both words and actions.
She enjoys traveling, reading, studying the justice system, music, and exploring emerging technology. As an aspiring attorney, she continues to pursue personal and professional growth while faithfully serving alongside her husband, Rev. Dr. Steven L. Lyons, as his partner in life, ministry, and the callings God has placed upon their lives.
Through every season, Mrs. Robin Lyons remains committed to serving God, strengthening families, uplifting communities, and advancing the Kingdom with grace, wisdom, and unwavering faith.
