Bettye Joyce Smith Dyson

Bettye Joyce Smith Dyson, age 92, of Amarillo, Texas passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026 surrounded by loved ones.

Born on August 23, 1933 in Kendrick, Mississippi, she was the beloved child of Mary Aquila Splann Smith and Walter Columbus Smith. She grew up in Kendrick and Corinth, Mississippi and went on to graduate from Corinth High School in 1951. She married her soulmate, Hershel (H.D.) Dyson on June 2, 1951, and they were married for 68 years, until his death in 2019. Throughout life, Joyce was known for her kindness and sweetness to everyone she met, and always had a smile and hug for everyone who had the privilege of knowing her! She was a devoted Christian and member, along with our Dad, of the San Jacinto Church of Christ. She was a homemaker, first of all, but was also an accomplished seamstress, artist and musician. She made every costume and outfit any of us needed for all of the plays and musicals we were in from grades 1-12. Beautifully, she created Victorian dresses, angel wings, Ascot hats, and all kinds of other clothing and accessories. She enjoyed quilting and loved to crochet. She also owned a very successful business, the Monogram Shop, from 1986 to 2012.

She is survived by her children, Caroline Ware, and children, B. D. Ware, Lizzie Williams and husband Shannon, Savannah Singleton and husband Brian, and Tol Ware and wife Sloane; Gary Dyson and wife Jenny and their children Peggy Osborne and husband, Andy, and Joe Dyson; Melissa Barber and children Berkley Washburn, and Shelby Poirot and husband Robert; Larry Dyson and wife Kristin and children Alex Dyson and Anna Kate Dyson; 10 Grandchildren, 13 Great Grandchildren, and 1 Great-Grandchild, with one on the way. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sisters.

We would especially like to thank all the wonderful nurses and staff at Ware Park Central for their love and care for Mom, (known as “Miss Bettye”),for three years, and BSA Hospice for their special care for her and for being by our sides in the last days. She loved all of you, and we could tell how much you all love her!

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to High Plains Children’s Home, honoring Joyce Dyson’s memory and legacy.

Though our Mother is no longer with us on this earth, her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Knowing that she is with our Heavenly Father is the most comforting thing of all!