Lula (Smith) Dyer

Lula (Smith) Dyer, 88, of Worcester, passed from this life having “fought a good fight and finished her course”, on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. She is predeceased by her two sons Willie G. Pitts who passed away this past December and Philip Pitts who passed away in 1974.

 Lula is survived by her devoted husband, Reverend Douglas Lee Dyer; five daughters, Florine Pitts-Guthrie and her husband Rev. C.D. Guthrie of Clifton Park, NY, Sadie Pitts-Walker, Sandra Reese and her husband Dr. Bernard Reese, Diane Pitts-Tolson, and Angela Dyer all of Worcester; three sons, Gilbert Pitts Jr. and Larry Pitts and his wife Brenda Ozan-Pitts  both of Worcester, and Douglas Dyer Jr. and his wife Marcie of Fitchburg; a brother, Rev. Selivan Smith and two sisters, Icmae Hubbard and Vallie Battles, all of Bastrop, LA; twenty-eight grandchildren; thirty-five great grandchildren; and one great-great grandson; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.  She was predeceased by three brothers and three sisters, Alfred, Levester, and Willie Matthew Smith, Armether Pitts, Gladys Reese, and Ollie Taylor.  Lula was born in Oak Ridge, Louisiana, daughter of the late, Willie and Jinnie (Pegross) Smith; for many years she lived in Bastrop, LA, where her family called home, before settling in Worcester in 1966.

Mother Dyer, as she was affectionately known, demonstrated great faith, and played an integral role in her church, Mount Sinai Church of God in Christ, pastored by Bishop Roberts L. Webbs Sr. for over fifty years.  Her sincere love for God was a beacon of light to those she encountered. Mother Dyer was a woman who took her time to love us unconditionally, who took in children and raised them as her own and never once differentiated between them.  She served faithfully, with great devotion, love and passion.  Among many other positions, she served as Church Mother, District Missionary, Choir Director, Sunday School Teacher, Prayer and Bible Band President, and President of the Pastor and Minister’s Wives Circle.  She was also a “Master Chef”. 

Mother Dyer was the Matriarch of her family and will be remembered for the love she showered on all of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchild.  It goes without saying, there is a void in all our hearts that can only be filled by our continuing to carry out the work of the Lord with love and commitment for the glory of God! Mother Dyer, a.k.a “Ma, Madear, Grandma, Nani”, you are missed and forever loved! 

Calling hours for Mother Lula Dyer will be Thursday May 24, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Funeral Service begin at 11 a.m. at Mount Sinai Church of God in Christ, Wellington Street, Worcester.  Interment will follow in Hope Cemetery, Worcester.

Contributions can be made in her memory to the Lula Dyer Scholarship Fund at Mount Sinai Church of God in Christ, 63 Wellington Street, Worcester.