WAYCROSS — Mrs. Rachel Valeria Dyal Dyson, age 82, of Blackshear and Waycross, passed away Wednesday night, May 27, 2026, at the Hospice Satilla Hospice Houses following a long arduous journey home.
Mrs Dyson loved the Lord Jesus Christ, and her testimony will live on, as demonstrated by the life that she lived before those who knew her. The following scripture speaks of Mrs Dyson and the way she lived out her life:
“Then shall the righteous answer him, saying Lord, when saw we thee and hungered, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
— Matthew 25: 37-40
She was born in Waycross to the late Daniel Clarence Dyal and Mary Sallie Hamilton Dyal. Mrs. Dyson was a graduate of Okefenokee Technical College with a Licensed Practical Nursing Degree. During her life, she worked with Satilla Community Service as a Social Services Aid/Advocate for individuals with special needs. She also had been employed as a nonunion employee of King Edward Cigar Factory, and assistant manager of Renee Fashions.
Mrs. Dyson had a genuine love for all children. She served with a bus ministry, visiting children who were unchurched, teaching an evening Pre-K class at Grace Baptist Church where she attended church with her daughter Angela (her Angel). She also was a teacher’s aide at the Grace Baptist Church School.
She was gifted with many talents and demonstrated them by sharing them with others. Mrs. Dyson was an accomplished seamstress, hair stylist, gourmet cook, gardener, designer, teacher, mentor, and the caregiver to her daughter Angela.
If any family or friends were asked, they would tell you though her life was busy, she was never too busy to help, even when she had to lay her own needs aside. Her door always was open to come in for a visit, and her table always was ready to share a meal.
Mrs. Dyson loved her family, whether it was her parents, siblings, or her nieces and nephews, and being a part of such a large family, she enjoyed every opportunity to spend time together. Though she loved her extended family, her greatest loves were her daughters Daine and Angela; and her three grandsons, Michael Ellis of Atlanta, Cody Ellis of Blackshear, and Tommy Lee; and her great grandchildren, Miles and Aiden Ellis. Mrs. Dyson always put the needs of her children and grandchildren first.
Having been the mother and caregiver to a special needs child, she dedicated her life to her daughter Angela and the service of Special Needs Children and their parents dear to her heart.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Dyson also was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy Stone and Rita Jean Dyal Herrin; a brother, Ronnie Dyal; her precious daughter, Angela Dyson; and an infant son, Michael Dyson.
She is survived by her daughter Rachel Diane Ellis; three grandsons; five siblings, Catherine Chaney (Ed) of Blackshear, Clarice Stolte (Jack) of Manor, Faye Davis (Charles) of Blackshear, Carroll Dyal (Donna) of Sandstone, Va., and Mary Strickland (Freddy) of Blackshear; a sister-inlaw, Lisa Dyal of Blackshear; and a nation of nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held May 30 in the Chapel of Hart Funeral Home. A private burial took place in Greenlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Dyson would like for those wishing to contribute to give to the Spina Bifida Association at https://www.spinabifidaassociation. org Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.
Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.
