Lisa Ann Lyndon
August 7, 1955 – October 27, 2026
For Lisa Ann Lyndon, dance was never just something she did. It was part of who she was, a
love that began in childhood and stayed with her throughout her life.
Born on August 7, 1955, Lisa’s love of dance began in Knoxville, Tennessee, inspired by her
mother, Nancy, a beautiful modern dancer who passed her passion on to her daughter. After
moving to Sheffield, Alabama, Lisa began studying under Marion Gossett, who originally taught
dance lessons in her living room. As the number of students grew, Marion opened her own
studio in the 1960s.
Under Marion’s guidance, Lisa developed her talents in ballet, tap, and jazz. Her dedication later
took her to New York City, where she spent five summers studying at New York City Ballet.
In the late 1980s, Lisa purchased Marion’s School of Dance, and Valley School of Dance was
born. Although, knowing Lisa, she would have preferred to call it Bunions and Bruises.
For 20 years, Lisa poured her heart into teaching and inspiring generations of dancers. She was
an extraordinary teacher who expected her students to give their best because she always gave
them hers. Many went on to professional dance careers in New York, Los Angeles, and beyond,
carrying the lessons she taught them.
At 38, Lisa choreographed an entire production of the Broadway musical 42nd Street and
performed the lead role of Peggy Sawyer. She even took voice lessons for the occasion, proving
that she was never too proud to learn something new.
After selling Valley School of Dance, Lisa continued teaching at local studios until retiring at 68.
Even in her later years, she spent approximately ten hours a week teaching ballet and tap. For
Lisa, it was never about the money. She simply loved what she did.
But Lisa taught so much more than dance.
Her lessons followed her students far beyond the classroom. She taught discipline, confidence,
strength, and how to carry themselves through life. Whether she was correcting a ballet position
or reminding someone how to cross the street safely, she believed there was always something
worth teaching. She was fiercely intelligent, wonderfully particular, and a mentor to countless
students.
To her daughter, Lisa was so much more than a mother. She was a teacher, a mentor, and one
of the strongest women she would ever know. They were two strong personalities who didn’t
always see eye to eye, but their love for one another never wavered. They challenged each
other, learned from each other, and shared a bond that was entirely their own. Through it all,
Lisa taught her daughter strength, empathy, and the courage to live life on her own terms.
Lisa was beautiful, elegant, graceful, and full of life. A true Leo, she had a personality that could
light up a room and a sense of humor that will never be forgotten. She affectionately called just
about everyone a “goon” and loved playing Rook with family and friends.
She also adored her beloved dog, Buster, a little $50 Rat Terrier and Jack Russell mix who
became one of her greatest companions. After 16 years together, Buster passed away just three
weeks before Lisa. There is comfort in believing they have found each other again.
Lisa’s legacy lives on in the dancers she trained, the students she mentored, and the family and
friends who loved her. She spent her life sharing something she loved, and in doing so, gave so
much of herself to others.
To her daughter and to so many others, Lisa Ann Lyndon was a legend. And she always
will be.
Lisa is survived by her mother, Nancy Lou Lyndon; her daughter, Tonya King; her sisters, Sherri
Howard (“Peanut”), Laura Sutherlin, and Leah Moore (Mark); her grandchildren, Lyncoln Van
Devender (Chloe), Jules Cook (Christian); and her great-grandchildren, Kingston and Lylee
Cook.
She was preceded in death by her father, William A. Lyndon.
A celebration of Lisa’s life will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Lifesong Church,
located at 3107 Oakwood Boulevard, Sheffield, Alabama 35660. Visitation will take place from
1:00 to 2:00 p.m., with a celebration of life service beginning at 2:00 p.m
