Agnes Jacqueline Fertitta Dyer

February 22, 1922 - September 22, 2021

Agnes Jacqueline (Jackie) Dyer, the guiding light of her family, went to sleep on September 22, 2021, and awakened in the loving presence of her sweet Lord. The youngest of 4 daughters born to Sicilian immigrants Joseph John and Marie Antoinette Fertitta in Beaumont, Texas in 1922, she was just shy of being 100 years young.

Clinging proudly all her life to her Sicilian heritage, her love of the Catholic faith, and her near and extended family, she was a bedrock for us all in hard times and a source of love and fun always. If you counted her among your friends, you were blessed and instantly treated like family, the ultimate compliment.

She embodied the traits of her immigrant roots throughout her life: strength, resilience, independence, perseverance, a strong work ethic, and love of family and friends. She imparted those same traits to her six children, Robert, Joseph, Marian, Karen, Colleen, and Jackie. Her husband of 71 years, Woody, always said she was the strongest woman he knew. Her children wholeheartedly agree.

An excellent cook, she said a little pasta was good with just about anything and would settle a bad stomach. Her garden was always beautiful, and she counseled that putting your hands in dirt was good therapy. Never one to shy away from new things, in her 90’s she tackled modern technology (smart phone and tablet) so that she could stay connected with her multigenerational family and large group of friends. She definitely had spunk.

Wondering why she outlasted just about everyone of her generation, she was quick to say how blessed she was to have a mind as sharp as a tack even as her body faded. She continued sharing life’s lessons and insights right up until the end. Time with her was cherished by all who were lucky enough to hear the wisdom that could really only come from having lived a century and actively living her faith. Her life journey was a long and full one, from early childhood, through teen and early adulthood, to motherhood, career, and retirement years, and finally wise senior sage.

As a very young girl, she helped with deliveries from her parent’s corner grocery, and rewarded herself with chocolate from the store’s candy cases. At one point, her father locked the cases to control how much she ate. Thus was the beginning of a lifelong sweet tooth. If you wanted to bring her a special gift, just make it something with nuts, chocolate, and caramel.

Her first career after graduation from Beaumont High School was that of a beautician, joining her three sisters in a beauty shop on the corner of Laurel and First Avenue in Beaumont. Once she began to have children and stayed at home, you could still get a haircut on her porch along with a cup of coffee and homemade biscotti (Italian cookie). Having four daughters, this skillset came in handy. Her daughters remember lessons on using curlers, hair products, styling, and, yes, cutting your own hair. If you complained about any of these routines, she said “one must suffer a little to be beautiful”.

She met her future spouse, Woodrow Robert Dyer, Sr, when she was 12 and he 13 years old as neighbors in Beaumont. They eloped in 1942, had a family of six children, and ran a family clothing store together for many years. She and Woody were founding parishioners of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Beaumont. In their later years, they were apostolic ministers during services, worked on parish councils, and sponsored new Catholics through the Right of Christian Initiation. She attended daily mass until she stopped driving at age 95, when she discovered daily mass on television via EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) and other online religious outlets, faithfully watching and praying the rosary daily. We are certain she was whisked through the pearly gates at breakneck speed.

A beautiful person inside and out — there simply wasn’t a better daughter, sister, spouse, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, in-law, neighbor or friend on this earth. Loved by so many, she leaves a huge void that cannot be filled. But we rejoice that she is finally in her heavenly home with first class angel wings.

She was preceded in death by her parents (mentioned above), her husband, Woodrow Robert Dyer, Sr.; her son, Joseph Raymond Dyer; her sisters, Rose (Guy) Fazio, Angie (Joe) Fazio, and Jenny (Floyd) Miller. She is survived by her son, Robert (Ann) Dyer; daughters, Marian Dyer, Karen (Paul) Wilson, Colleen Dyer, and Jackie Grigar as well as six grandsons, one granddaughter, and 8 great-grandchildren. Of her husband’s family, she is survived by sister-in-law, Faye Hasse, of St. Louis, Mo.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Dyer will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, September 30, 2021, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 5075 Bigner Road, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont, where she will be laid to rest between her dear husband and son.

Her arrangements will be livestreamed and available via Zoom at the link below:

Topic: Agnes Jacqueline Fertitta Dyer Live Service
Time: Sep 30, 2021 12:45 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

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Passcode: DYERLIVE

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Mass of Christian Burial

St. Pius X Catholic Church
  • 5075, Bigner Rd, Beaumont, TX, 77708,
  • September 30, 2021
  • 1:00 pm

Interment

Forest Lawn Memorial Park
  • 4955, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,

Comments (13)

    Taylor Ford says:

    I’ve thought of her many times over the years. She was Beautiful inside and out with an southeast Texas voice that made you feel extra special. She is an angel!

    Evie Anderson says:

    I remember meeting Jackie at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church near Forney, Texas. My husband Tom and I sat with Jackie and Katie quite often. There was a special feeling just being around Jackie. Her devotion to her faith was inspiring and her presence was always positive. She always greeted me with a smile and a hand hold. I am so honored I had a chance to meet her and attend mass with her on a weekly basis. Such a sweet lady! Such a kind heart! A lady with her strong qualities will never be forgotten by those who knew and loved her. I am sure she was welcomed to the heavens and has seen the face of God. She was already an angel on Earth. May she Rest in Peace.

    Pete Hunt says:

    So sorry for your loss, she sounded like a wonderful person. I see where Jackie got her spunk and heart for others.

    Cindy Murphy Cobb says:

    Sending my sincere condolences. I visited the Dyer home as a child. Ms. Dyer was such a sweet sweet lady. She always made me feel welcomed and was a pleasure to sit and talk with. I know she will be missed. REST IN PEACE Ms. Dyer.❤️

    Pauline Tanner says:

    My sincere condolences to the family. Jackie and I were lifelong friends and shared many fond memories over the years. She was a kind, sweet person and I will miss her.

    Ruby Decuir says:

    Our Deepest Sympathy to the family, your mom was a lovely lady, she was truly missed at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Rest In Peace Jackie love The St. Pius Ladies.

    Nancy Wirth & Bob Rindels says:

    Mrs. Dyer was such a wonderful person. We were so honored to have known her. Her family and friends will miss her very much. Our deepest sympathy to the Dyer family.

    Sandra Korneffel says:

    Dear Robert, Ann, Marian, Karen, Paul, Colleen, and Jackie,
    Your mom was such a wonderful, loving and warm person. She was another sister to our mom (Faye), having grown up (since about the age of 4 or 5) next door. She always welcomed us into her home with open arms and beautiful smile. I have especially fond memories of her Christmas Eve parties, and of course, all the summers we spent visiting on Comstock Road and riding “Honey” and “Bit-o-Honey” the beautiful Palominos. Aunt Jackie’s meals were delicious and her hospitality superb. She was so much more than I can describe, especially in this space…she will be forever in our hearts. Please accept our deepest sympathy and prayers. Love, Sandra and Mike Korneffel and Faye Hasse

    Ann Reynolds says:

    My heart goes out to the family of this beloved lady. She was a kind and loving soul. May she rest in peace.

    Nancy Wirth & Bob Rindels says:

    Mrs. Dyer was such a wonderful person. We were so fortunate to have known her. She will be missed by her family and friends. Our deepest sympathy to her family and her many friends. God bless you, Mrs. Dyer!

    Katherine Sanders Evans says:

    Colleen and Jackie and your family,
    I am so sorry for your loss. I have many memories of being at your house and having spirited chats with your mom. I am holding you all in my heart.

    Judy Finger Busceme says:

    My heart just breaks. Your mom was an amazing person. She was another mom to all of us kids. My prayers are with you. Much love

    Faye Prejean says:

    My deepest sympathies to the family Mrs Dyer was such a sweet person. always so friendly. May her soul rest in peace. May God give her family comfort

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