Jaunelle Dyer Obituary (2011)

Jaunelle Dyer "Ms. Nellie" (October 28, 1939 - January 13, 2011) Heaven is a little bit sassier today as Jaunelle Dyer has arrived to serve up some hot biscuits and chocolate gravy with wit, charm and a smile. Jaunelle passed away peacefully this past Thursday with her children by her side. Jaunelle was born to Ortra and Pauline Pinkerton on October 28, 1939, in Athens, Arkansas. On May 3, 1958, she married her "bad boy" and lifelong sweetheart - Wayne Dyer who lovingly nicknamed her "Ms. Nellie." For the next 46 years, they were virtually inseparable. After Wayne finished college, his military career took Jaunelle (and their kids - Phil, Tonya and Michele) on an interesting journey across the country. When Wayne completed his military service, the family settled into a small home at 389 West 1 on Dugway Proving Ground. For the next 27 years, they were residents of Dugway and proud to be members of the "Dugway Survivor's Club." Jaunelle was short in stature but larger than life. An independent spitfire, she was always proud to have been a federal civil servant. Family, not her career, was always her first priority. Forever the loving wife, Ms. Nellie was the only one with the power to tell Wayne when he needed to "be quiet." As a devoted mom, she was always there to pick us up and hug our necks when we fell down. She never failed to make her grandchildren smile. Being a great-grandma gave her bragging rights to having the "cutest" ones on the planet. Her light is gone but will shine on through all of us. We will do our best to make her proud. Jaunelle is survived by her mother, Pauline Lipsey; her sister, Charlotte Welch (Randy); her children - Phil Dyer (Debra), Tonya Elkington (Steve) and Michele Medina (Mike). She is blessed with five grandchildren - James W. Dyer II, Benjamin Dyer, Lindsay Birdsong, Logan Elkington and Emily "Emma" Medina - and two great-grandchildren - Killian Thompson and Madison Grace Dyer. Her grandchildren are heartbroken and will miss their grandmother dearly like all the rest of us do but take comfort in knowing that Grandpa Wayne will be there to put his arm around her. Jaunelle's friends may join her family on Tuesday, January 18, 2011, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to services being held at 11:00 a.m. at Tate Mortuary, 110 S. Main St., Tooele, UT. Burial at the Tooele Cemetery will follow and a celebration of mom's life afterward. Mom loved flowers but we know she would have requested each of you to give hugs to those you love and donate to the American Diabetes Association or other charity that will make this world a better place - something mom did while she was here with us. Of course, we know she will smile if you send her flowers as well! There are too many to name so thanks to everyone who supported us during this most difficult time. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jaunelle Dyer please visit our Sympathy Store.