Mary Alice Lyons, affectionately known to those who loved her as “Ms. Mary” or “Mayalice,” passed away peacefully in Brooklyn, New York, on May 16, 2026. Born on June 1, 1936, in Whitakers, North Carolina, Mary traveled a long and meaningful journey through life, eventually making her home in New York where she became a cornerstone of her family and her community. At 89 years old, she leaves behind a legacy defined by her resilience, her nurturing spirit, and the deep roots she planted in the hearts of her many descendants.

A woman of great strength and character, Mary was perhaps best known to the public as the mother of the late Michael “Chico” Lyons, the rap star known as Chico Del Vec of the legendary group Junior M.A.F.I.A. While she took pride in the achievements of her children, her true joy was found in the simple, quiet moments spent at home. She was a woman who loved the camaraderie of a good card game, finding laughter and connection across the table with friends and family. Her home was a place of welcome, marked by her warmth and the steady presence she provided to everyone who walked through her door.

Mary’s memory will be cherished by her surviving children: her son Milton “Shatee” Lyons, and her daughters Michelle Lyons and Jessie Lyons. Her light continues to shine through a host of beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were the pride of her later years. She also leaves behind a very special friend, Ronnie “Kitchen Man” Smith, whose companionship was a blessing in her life. Mary has now been reunited with those who went before her, including her husband, JC Abrams; her sons, James “Peter” Lyons, Jerry “Sam” Lyons, and Michael “Chico” Lyons; her sister, Jean Marie Smith; and her brother, Haywood Bellamy Lyons.

Though Ms. Mary has taken her rest, the lessons she taught and the love she gave remain as a guiding force for her family. She was a matriarch in every sense of the word, providing a foundation of grace that will never be forgotten. May her soul find eternal peace, and may her family find comfort in the beautiful memories of a life well-lived and a woman well-loved.