Rita, born on May 21st, 1961 to two loving parents, John and Betty Dyer right here in Tazewell, was a bundle of joy from the very beginning. Rita grew up on their farm with her brother Jeffery where she learned the value of hard work, a love for God, and a love for his creation. This upbringing inspired her traditional values and a love for people that made her the person that we all knew and loved dearly.
After graduating high school, Rita served at the National Park Service here locally and eventually moved to Knoxville where she earned an associate’s degree. It was here where she met her husband, James. They would go on to have a loving marriage of 37 years and to have their only son, Lucas. Being a mother became the most important part of Rita’s life, a role she excelled at and that gave her much pride, joy, and purpose. Eventually her and her husband embarked on their final journey to Ecuador, their little piece of paradise, for early retirement.
She will always be remembered as an outstanding mother, dedicated wife, and a person who brought joy to all of those she met. Rita impacted the lives of so many people – family… friends… neighbors; those that knew her can attest, she was a beacon of goodness and cared about people more than anyone we knew. We will all miss her dearly.
Rita is survived by her parents John and Betty Dyer, who were her moral compass in this world; Her loving brother Jeffery, who was always there for her – her rock since her very first day; Her nephew Matthew, her little ray of sunshine in her brother’s likeness; Her husband James, there for every adventure, ready to make her laugh like no one else could; Her son Lucas, who was her whole world, her knight in shining armor; And her daughter-in-law Catherine, who for Rita was an infinite source of joy, sweetness, and grace…the daughter she always wanted.
There will be a visitation on Saturday, September 23rd from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Coffey Funeral Home Chapel with a celebration of Rita's life to take place following the visitation at 3:00 PM.
Please send any contributions or donations concerning funeral costs to Rita's community Church.
Send a check or money order to: Red Hill Baptist Church C/O Judy Myers, 5420 Old Hwy 63, Speedwell, Tennessee 37870.
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