The following was sent to me in response to my request that the Deacons of Ashburn Baptist join me in calling my dad, Pastor Vernon Lyons, to repent of his unfaithfulness, pride, greed, negligence and deceit in regard to the care of his wife in the last couple weeks of her life.
Hello Tom, As you requested, the deacons of Ashburn discussed your concerns pertaining to your father's role as the legal decision maker during your mother's illness and death. Please know this matter was not taken lightly, and was given detailed discussion both among the deacons, and with family members and care givers involved. We sought information from the Jacobs, who provided professional medical care to your mother after her return home. We also met with your father, Pastor Vernon Lyons, as well as Sam and Dan Lyons. During this meeting we discussed the care of your mother prior to her death, as well as the decisions made concerning her care. Your view that many of the care decisions were incorrect, even negligent, was discussed in detail. Pastor Vernon Lyons addressed the allegations with details of the care given his wife by both professionals (from within and without Ashburn church) and family members and friends. While he deeply understands your hurt, and your disagreement with some of the decisions made, Pastor Lyons assured the deacons that every decision was made to provide the best of care to his wife in accordance with her wishes. Decisions were not made based on the cost of treatment or supplies. Sam and Dan detailed the role of themselves, their families, and other siblings, in providing care to their mother. They are in agreement that your mother was given proper care, and that money was never an issue in any care decisions. The Jacobs also agreed that proper medical care was provided to your mother, and they did not find fault in your father's decisions from their professional view. Tom, the deacons of Ashburn Baptist Church have great respect and confidence in Pastor Lyons, as well as in Sam, Dan, and the Jacobs. We have no reason to doubt that they are each being honest in discussing the details of your mother's care. While we understand that you, and your sister Rachel, do not agree with the care decisions made by your father, we do not see this any longer as a church matter but as a private family issue. We will be in prayer for your entire family.
Sincerely,
Lawrence "Ed" Brewer