Jewel Earlene Dyer passed away peacefully at home with her granddaughter, Madelyn, at her side on May 12, 2023, at the age of 77. She was born Jewel Earlene Bentley in Independence, Missouri, on February 13, 1946, to Earl Calvin and Stella Dorothy Bentley. She lived a rich and full life, bringing joy to her family and many friends. Her sweet and clever sense of humor remained with her until the end in spite of interference from Alzheimer’s disease with its many mental and physical complications. At the age of 17, she married Cecil Ray “Corky” Lewis, Jr., in 1963, with whom she had two sons. A second marriage in 1978 to Darrel Franklin Dyer, lasting for 35 years until his death, brought with it four of his children whom she treasured as her own. On the weekends, when schedules aligned and longer periods during summer months and holidays, she managed a home with six children from grade school age to teenagers. She did it with joy and grace, cooking delicious meals together, playing card games, delegating household chores, and creating beautiful memories of family connection. She spent much of her time creating a loving and welcoming home where many enjoyed laughter and delicious food and also found refuge and unconditional acceptance during times of crisis. Her faith in God was very important to her, and she demonstrated it by living with love and compassion for others. She was an extraordinary grandmother. Her faithful gift of love as a grandmother was returned in great measure as her granddaughters, Madelyn Ann and Sophia Jewel, and Sophie’s partner Lucas Clark, cared for her daily around the clock for the last two years of her life. Her family is grateful that she was able to stay at home with the care and loving connection of family who knew her and her needs, likes, and dislikes. This also allowed her to enjoy the loving care of her faithful feline companion, Rosie. Her loving smile and laughter will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Jewel was preceded in death by her first husband, Cecil “Corky” Lewis, Jr., and her second husband, Darrel Franklin Dyer.
She is survived by her two sons, Darrel Eugene and Robin Lewis, Bryan Wayne Lewis; her four stepchildren, Lee Wayne Dyer, Steven Noel and Faith Dyer, Stephanie Janell and Craig Probst, and Roger Darrel and Danette Dyer; and her sisters, Nancy Aileen and Dave Owen and Beverley Anne Eppert. She had 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, with two more on the way who will know her in spirit.
A memorial service will be held in her honor on Sunday, June 4, 2023, from 3:00 to 5:00 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 1307 Holmes Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home Independence, MO (816) 796-8600