Jacqueline Elizabeth Dyer

Jackie has been a member of Atlanta West Pentecostal Church for several years, and was devoted to her family, serving her Lord, and possessed an overwhelming desire to help those in her community struggling with mental health.

Jackie attended the University of Florida where she received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology (cum laude) and went on to receive her master’s degree in Counseling (magna cum laude) in 2008. She continued her studies at UCF, ultimately earning a PhD in Counselor education. Following her education, she pursued a career in community consoling for a number of years, particularly focusing on serving disadvantaged communities. In January 2014, Jackie established herself in private practice providing marriage and family counseling. She helped hundreds of families in the northern Georgia area over the years.

Jackie loved to travel, and as a child was privileged to live in both England and Germany for a number of years. During her time in Europe, she was able to visit a number of other countries, including France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Holland, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia. As part of her PhD program, she traveled to Kenya and Nairobi, Africa on behalf of the university to provide training to counselors working with AIDS victims.

Jackie especially enjoyed fashion and was especially proud of her legendary collection of Lilly Pulitzer ensembles. Her other passion in life was The Dave Matthews Band (DMB). Jackie simply adored this band and their amazing music. When DMB was anywhere in the Southeastern region of the U.S., that’s where you could find her. She adored her amazing DMB family and always looked forward to the next DMB gathering.

Jackie is preceded in death by her mother, Janell Ortego Thurston, grandparents Amos and Mabel Ortego, and grandparents, Paul and Helen Thurston Sr, She leaves behind her husband of 10 years John Dyer; and her children Wynn (8) and Roselyn (5), father, Reverend Paul Thurston; sister Sondra Adams (Blake); and brother Christopher Thurston (Meshon). Jackie will also be lovingly missed by a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Funeral services celebrating her life will be held at 1:00pm, Saturday June 13th, at Founding Faith Worship Center, 6225 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta, GA, with visitation Reverend Darrell Johns, General Superintendent to the Georgia District United Pentecostal Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Green Lawn Cemetery immediately following the service. Pallbearers will be Chris Thurston, Zachary Adams, Blake Adams, Brent Reeves, David Dyer, and Justin Ricketts.

In lieu of Flowers donations can be made to Save the Children fund and noted in memory of Jacqueline Elizabeth Dyer.