Ida Mae Dyson

Ida Mae Dyson, 92, widow of J.J. “Bubba” Dyson, died Saturday, March 24, 2007, at Roper Hospital in Charleston.

Born May 29, 1914, in Clarendon County, she was a daughter of the late Nathaniel “Nat” Geddings and the late Nancy “Nan” Pritchard Geddings.

Mrs. Dyson was a devoted member of Home Branch Baptist Church. She was recently honored with a plaque from the church recognizing that she was the most senior member in both years of age and membership. It acknowledged and expressed appreciation for her many years of devotion to her fellow man, community and her church and that she has shown what a true servant of God should be.

Mrs. Dyson was proud of her many years of employment with Kress, from which she retired, and her many years as an Avon representative. This brought her into contact with many, many people over the years. Her memories of those days and friendships brought her pleasure for all of her days on earth.

Mrs. Dyson loved our Lord, her family and her friends. She was always willing to help anyone who needed help day or night. She was a true servant of our Lord. Her children and grandchildren are grateful for each and every day they were fortunate enough to have had with her, and for her love and guidance throughout the years. It has been said many times of Mrs. Dyson, “To know her was to love her.”

Mrs. Dyson was predeceased by three beloved and never-forgotten children, Harold and Thelma, who died as infants, and her oldest son, James Earle Dyson, who died at age 52. Also, a very special and deeply loved son-in-law and daughter-in-law, B.J. Hudson (Ethel) and Donna Dyson (Smith).

Mrs. Dyson is survived by five children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Dyson’s oldest son, James Earle Dyson, who has gone on to be with our Lord , is survived by his widow, Judy Dyson of Sumter, and sons, James Earle “Jim” (Karen) Dyson Jr., of Winston-Salem, N.C., and Greg Dyson and Jeff (Caroline) Dyson, both of Sumter; her son Smith Dyson of Spartanburg and his children, Rick, Mose, Paul, Denese (Cheyenne) Tarbett, all of Charlotte, and Eddie (Charlene Cianciarulo) of Spartanburg; her son, William G. “Bill” (Ella) Dyson and their children, Billy Dyson and Diane (Dr. Mark Mitchiner) Mitchiner, all of Sumter; daughter Ethel Hudson of Hanahan and her children, Joe Hudson of Hanahan and Cynthia Lynn Hudson of Goose Creek; daughter Virginia Parker of Hanahan and her children, Veresa (Air Force Maj. Tom Crenshaw) Crenshaw and Air Force Maj. Carl (Lana) Parker, all in Germany, and Robert Parker of Hanahan; and daughter Emily (Gene) Harrington of Charleston and son, Kenny Sigmon of Charleston.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 31, 2007, in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel with the Revs. Ware Madden Jr. and Robert Haynes officiating.

Burial was in Sumter Cemetery.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter was in charge of arrangements.