Mary Wood "Woodie" Dyer

Mary Wood “Woodie” Dyer April 3, 1941 — February 2, 2026 Young Harris, Georgia. 

It is with deep love and gratitude that we celebrate the life of Mary Wood “Woodie” Dyer, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and friend, who passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 2, 2026.

Born in Gadsden County, Quincy, Florida, to Henry Jefferson Davis and Sara Jewell Davis, Woodie was the youngest of three children. Woodie was known for her thoughtful nature and quiet determination. She had a sure sense of how things ought to be done and moved through life with quiet care and purpose, yet she also loved to laugh and treasured the friends and neighbors who filled her days with joy. As the steady foundation of her family, she quietly kept everyone organized and on time - especially Bud - doing so with grace, gentle humor, and an eye toward helping them put their best selves forward.

Woodie attended Florida State University, where she earned her degree in Speech Pathology and met the love of her life, George Lewis “Bud” Dyer, Jr. Their marriage became a partnership built on love, laughter, and shared purpose—a bond that carried them through 60 years together.

In 1971, Woodie and Bud moved to Young Harris, Georgia, where they built their home and became integral members of the Young Harris College and local community. Woodie served for many years as a speech therapist for Towns County, helping numerous children and families find their voices and confidence. Her kindness, patience, and encouragement left a lasting legacy both in the schools and in the hearts of those she touched.

Beyond her career, Woodie lived out her faith through service. She volunteered for many years with the Department of Family and Children Services and Meals on Wheels, offering care and compassion to those in need. In the years leading up to the 2000 Census, she also worked with the U.S. Census Bureau, leading a team of surveyors across Towns and Rabun counties - a reflection of her strong sense of civic responsibility and leadership.

A faithful member of Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church, Woodie found joy in worship and service. She was an active part of the congregation, contributing to numerous church and community programs. Her faith and grace were evident in all that she did.

Woodie’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her children, George Lewis (Lew) Dyer, III (Lynda), Jefferson (Jeff) Davis Dyer (Tanya Renee Chambers), Frank Revell Dyer (Hadley Recor), and Ann Dyer Sellers (Jason). She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Jefferson (Jeff) Davis Dyer, II, George Lewis (Gil) Dyer, IV, Anna Dyer Spessard (Paxton), Davis Murray Sellers, Aleksander Dusan Dyer, Tate Jewell Sellers, Levi Roth Dyer, Evan Richard Chambers, Nikolas George Dyer, and Ava Grace Chambers. Her warmth, humor, and generous spirit—and her quiet way of keeping everyone together - will continue to inspire those who knew and loved her.

A celebration of Woodie’s life will be held at Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 1:00. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to the Towns County Food Bank or the Mountain Shelter Humane Society.

Woodie’s life was a testament to love, faith, and devotion to others. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of her family and community.