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Eula Mae King Dyar died at the age of 98 on September 12, 2023. Born on October 12, 1924, she was the daughter of William Meddie King and Esther Barnes King. Raised in Covington County MS, she graduated from Mt. Olive High School. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings Billy King and Sam King. Eula Mae was the beloved wife of Samuel William Dyar for 60 years and the devoted mother of their two children. Many hours were devoted to David and Jan’s activities.
She is survived by her two children: David and Dianne Dyar, Madison; Jan and Tommy Keen, Hattiesburg; grandchildren, Jim and Anya Keen, North Chesterfield, VA; Julie Bennett Perry and Jordan, Atlanta, GA. She is also loved by her great grandchildren, Will and Lorelei Keen, Avi Bennett, Tristan Perry, and many nieces and nephews.
Eula Mae was a hands on and involved wife, mother, teacher, homemaker, church and civic worker. She expressed her love for the Lord in the way she wholeheartedly served people. Sharing her love for the scripture and Bible study was noted when recognized for being a 61 year Sunday School teacher. Also, she and her husband, Sam, directed and taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and worked on numerous church committees at the First Baptist Church of Mendenhall. Serving her communities through civic clubs was a joyful experience. Her service was rewarded in 1959 when named the MS Club Woman of the year as a member of the Tylertown Cosmopolitan Club, MS Federated Women’s Club. While a member of the Mendenhall Business Women’s Club, she held several officer positions and was instrumental in the creation and care of the Alice Davis Park. Her love of God, family, and country garnered two extremely cherished awards from the Mendenhall Chamber of Commerce. She received the Spirit of Mendenhall Award in 1991 and 2012.
After high school, her education continued at Miss. Teacher’s College (now USM) and the University of Alabama. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree, with a double major in Home Economics and Science Education in 1946 from the University of Alabama. A Master of Science degree in Home Economics was earned in 1978 at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Eula Mae enjoyed a thirty-two year career of teaching home economics and sciences in Mississippi Public Schools. Her love of teaching, mentoring, and encouraging students was rewarded as she was named the MS Teacher of the Year in 1956 by the MS Federated Women’s Clubs. Numerous other awards during this time highlighted a wonderful career.
Eula Mae’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, September 16 at the First Baptist Church, Mendenhall. Visitation will be from 1-3pm with service to follow. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, Mendenhall, General Fund.
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