On Saturday, December 23, 2017, Janice “Jan” L Lyon passed away at the age of 63 with her family by her side in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Born in Decatur, Illinois on January 19, 1954 to Carlos M Lyon and Jacqueline M Lyon, she was the oldest of six children. Jan’s passion for sports started at a young age when she began swimming at the Country Club of Decatur where she held records for many years. She became a standout in basketball and volleyball at Northwestern University while actively participating in the Chi Omega fraternity. Jan remains one of a handful of women inducted into the N Men’s Club, now the N Club. After graduating from Northwestern, she went on to study Sports Administration at The Ohio State University. Jan continued her passion for volleyball and became a coach at the high school and junior club levels throughout her career. She was a staff member of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and held multiple titles during her 35 years with the organization.
Books, movies, and history could all be described as some of Jan’s favorite things but she invested most of her time sharing her love with family and friends. Jan believed that Christmas was the most magical time of the year and spent time with her family carrying out their traditions. She will be missed dearly by her father Carlos M Lyon, by her siblings, Bruce Lyon (Jennifer), Kurt Lyon (Paula), Laura Lyon Fuller, Craig Lyon (Dawne), Eric Lyon and her thirteen nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother Jacqueline M Lyon and nephew Corbin Lyon.
A memorial and graveside service will be held in the spring at Fairlawn Cemetery in Decatur, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
There are few things more difficult than dealing with the loss of a loved one. I am honored that you have chosen our family to care for your family during this time. Please let me know if there is more we can do to help celebrate your loved-one’s life.
My Warmest Regards,
Bruce W. Buchanan
4th Generation Owner
Since 1881
They say where there is deep grief, there was great love. Jan was definitely respected, admired and loved. Miss you Lioness.
Love you Jan! From one of the other “J’s” at the AAU.
Jackie, we cannot tell you how much we love you. You are a part of our Florida family and an honorary Lyon. Thank you for sharing your love ♥️
Working with Jan when AAU was in Indianapolis is one of my good memories. She was a joy to be around. Rest In peace.
Thank you, Jan for all things great and wonderful we shared for almost 22 years, especially Travis, Jackie, Lauren and Andrew as I will have them and Laura for a bit longer as you so graciously shared them with us. I had the idea that we would grow old gracefully together. Nothing will ever mend the heart pain of you leaving us, but how amazing and grateful I am our souls passed each other in this lifetime. Love never dies so I will always love you. Until we meet again, see you later alligator.
We are so grateful she shared you with us, Ivy! You are so dear to us all 💛
So very sorry to hear this sad news. Jan was such a competent and knowledgeable staff member. Not only this, but we shall never forget her warmth She will be missed by us all!
I did not know Jan well, but she was always willing to help me with whatever questions or problems I had in the several positions I held with the Oklahoma AAU. I met her early in my dealings with the AAU and she was always willing to help me with whatever I needed help with, long-distance. Jan will be missed and I am so sorry she will no longer be able to help new people coming into AAU, as she began helping me so so many years ago.
Blessings,
Marianne E. May
Jan could answer any question, handle any problem, all the while with a great big smile. She will be missed and I know she has a special place in heaven. Rest In Peace, you will always have a place in our hearts.
R.I.P. Jan
Jan was a wonderful person. She would always help with any question I had. I will miss our conversations and being her Face Book friend, sharing many laughs together. I know she is an Angel in heaven and is watching over us! Rest in peace my dear friend.
Norma Treigle – Southern District
I just stumbled upon this and am shocked and saddened by the news. Jan & I and a bunch of others hung around each other @Northwestern and afterwards, playing volleyball and having goofy fun. A friend and I drove down to Carmel once to watch an elite volleyball match with Jan the next day. We got in late and Jan showed us to our beds. I was stunned to wake up the next morning to a Great Dane the size of a horse towering over me. Miss you, Jan. Keeping you and your loved ones in my prayers, So sorry to hear of your loss.
Ron Popp
NU ’78
I remember Jan playing volleyball with all of us at the NU gym. She was a talented player and an even nicer person. She fit in so well with everyone and I still remember her smile. Those were such good times, playing volleyball and then going out afterwards to eat, talk, and laugh. I will miss you, Jan.
Don Morgan
NU ’75