Gwyen Craig Dye was surrounded by her family when she died on January 13, 2017, following a brief illness.

Gwyen is survived by her children: Sylvia Griffin Sutphin (Cary) of Starkville, Deorenda Dye Davis (Eddy) of St. Simon Island, GA, Debbie Dye Taylor of Germantown, TN, and Jim Dye (Cheri) of Moscow, TN; Grandchildren: Gwyen Elizabeth Sutphin of Starkville, Mason Dye (Emilie) of Raleigh, NC, and Christen Dye of Germantown, TN; and her sister Betty Coggins of DeBach, LA.

Gwyen was preceded in death by her husband, James “Dock: Dye; her parents, Lonnie and Vernice Craig; her daughter, Sherry Ann Griffin; her siblings Marie Bolen, Molly Jordan, Wilma Davis, Marion Horton, W. L. Craig Jr., Kathryn Lindsey, Imma Jane Craig, Carl “Toby” ,Craig, and Jimmie Nell Shettles.

Gwyen was born on October 2, 1931, as the middle child in a family of eleven children. She grew up understanding the importance of love, sharing and relationships. At an early age she grew in her love of southern gospel music, scripture, prayer, and an active lifestyle. She remained close to her Algoma High School graduating class even until this past year.

Gwyen was known for many expressions of gifts, graces, and talents through her 85 years of life. She was active in church and Sunday School no matter in which community she lived. She loved the music of the church and was regularly a contributing member of the music ministry in her earlier years. She loved to cook and do crafts while sharing those results with family and friends. Gwyen had a voracious appetite for scripture and often spent several hours every morning in study and prayer.

With a sweet, humble spirit, Gwyen treated everyone as if they were special to her because they were. She shared the love of Christ first in her life and His love for others equally. She worked as a hairdresser in Clarksdale and as the insurance clerk for the Chromcraft Corporation in Senatobia before retirement.

Following her husband’s stroke, they moved to Starkville to be near family. They joined Meadowview Baptist Church. Gwyen was very supportive of her church, children’s ministries, Crisis Pregnancy Centers, and the Walk to Emmaus. She was a member of a local women’s prayer group for over twenty years.

Gwyen was devoted to the care of her husband after his stroke even after his move to the Veterans Home where she traveled at least weekly to contribute to his personal needs. She continued this personal devotion until his death in 2009.

After his death, Gwyen often filled her time by sharing her love of music, crafts, basketball, and scripture with her granddaughter, Gwyen Elizabeth. Her witness and faith continued to flourish even as her physical health diminished. Her love for Christ, family and friends and her prayer life grew stronger even as she grew weaker.

Gwyen’s life will be celebrated at Meadowview Baptist Church on Friday, January 20. Visitation will begin at 11:00 with the service at 1:00. Officiating in the service will be Rev. Cary Sutphin of Palestine and Providence United Methodist Churches and Bro. Jason Middleton of Meadowview Baptist Church. A brief graveside service will follow at Memorial Gardens in Starkville to be led by Bro. Jason Green of Meadowview Baptist Church.

Memorials my be made to the Crusaders for Christ Sunday School Class, Meadowview Baptist Church, 300 Linden Circle, Starkville, MS 39759, the Crisis Pregnancy Center, or other Christian Charities.