Lyons, Lucile Manning (1879–1958)

Lucile Manning Lyons, one of the state's most influential and industrious organizers of musical activities and clubs, was born on September 11, 1879, in Raymond, Texas. She was the daughter of John W. and Charlie Ella (Burton) Manning. She graduated from George Peabody College for Teachers, Nashville, in 1899 and received the A.B. from the University of Nashville in 1900. After her marriage to John F. Lyons in October 1901 the couple moved about and finally settled in Fort Worth two years later. After succeeding Mrs. R. B. West as president of the fledgling Harmony Music Club in 1903, Mrs. Lyons helped bring music to Fort Worth under sponsorship of the club until 1926, at which time she continued as an independent concert manager. Under her presidency and management Fort Worth, Dallas, Wichita Falls, and New Orleans hosted concerts by Fritz Kreisler, Rachmaninoff, Paderewski, the New York Philharmonic, the Ballet Russe, and Caruso, as well as Will Rogers.

Mrs. Lyons organized the Texas Federation of Music Clubs and served as its first president from 1915 to 1917; she was secretary of the National Federation of Music Clubs from 1917 to 1921. She became the first woman honored with two terms as president of the national organization (1921–25) and subsequently served on its board until 1955. She organized and was first secretary of the Fort Worth Civic Music Association and served as the regional director of the Federal Music Project in Texas from its inception to its end (1936–41). In 1956 she was granted the Zonta Club Award for "outstanding contribution to the public." She was a Presbyterian and a Democrat. Lucile Lyons died on September 25, 1958, in Fort Worth and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery.