Copyright dailymail
A controversial pastor, whose wife once set fire to the home he shared with his mistress, has died at the age of 83. Henry J. Lyons died on October 27 in Tampa, Florida. His cause of death has not been released. He led the National Baptist Convention from 1994 to 1998 and was known for his impassioned speeches. 'His unwavering commitment to the church and community will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude,' the church said in a statement. But his time as a church leader was not without scandal. Lyons spent five years in prison for stealing money and had an extra-marital affair. His misdeeds caught up with him in 1997, when he and his mistress took a lavish trip to Nigeria, according to the Tampa Bay Times. He had recently purchased a $700,000 home in Tierra Verde, Florida. On the deed, he listed himself as a single man and included his employee Bernice V. Edwards' name on it. His wife, Deborah, quickly suspected he was having an affair after finding the deed in his briefcase. While he enjoyed Nigeria, she set multiple fires inside his home, causing $30,000 worth of damage. Deborah was charged with arson and burglary and sentenced to five years probation. It was also discovered that Lyons had an illegitimate child and had been involved with other women, The Independent reported at the time. But it wasn't the only trouble Lyons would find himself in as the church discovered he was siphoning money. When he was appointed president of the church, he opened the Baptist Builder Fund account. It was later discovered Lyons, Edwards, and a businesswoman named Brenda Harris were using the account to fund lavish purchases. He bought a home in St. Petersburg, a Mercedes car, and jewelry, according to the report. In 1998, the three faced a 61-count federal indictment for tax evasion, money laundering and bank fraud. Lyons pled guilty and was sentenced to four years in prison. In 2004, he returned to preaching at a Tampa church after failing to regain presidency at the National Baptist Convention and the Florida General Baptist Convention. After eight years of preaching at the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, the establishment filed for bankruptcy. It was later discovered by the Tampa Bay Times that Lyons had shifted money from the church's accounts to secret accounts he controlled. His family remembers him as 'one of the baddest preachers in the 90s,' who played an 'influential role in the Baptist Church. 'Baddest' is a slang term with positive connotations. 'He's the reason why I would only attend 'old school Baptist' churches as an adult,' his granddaughter, Tee Jay Elle, wrote on Facebook. 'He was a BAD man, but to Tyler and I, he was 'granddad,' and he loved us so much. I find comfort & peace in knowing that he's resting and gratitude for the time spent together.' His daughter, Treva Lyons Kelly, wrote: 'I'm still trying [to] wake up from a bad nightmare. 'My daddy was many things to many people - pastor, husband, father, grandfather, mentor, philanthropist, trailblazer, giant, and servant leader and activist in his community. He taught me to stand strong in my faith and always stand forever's right and for equality not only for myself and my children, but for everyone. 'I love you and miss you, daddy.
