Reva Emmalene Dyer passed away on June 26, 2021, at her home in Blacksburg with her loving children by her side.
Emmalene was born in Big Isaac, W.Va., on Sept. 13, 1933, and grew up in Salem, W.Va. She graduated from Salem High School in 1951 and graduated from the Medical College of Virginia School of Nursing, Richmond, with a RN degree in 1954. She met Ray Dyer Jr., and was married 50 years.
Emmalene was preceded in death by her husband; her parents Lena and Raymond Goldsmith; her brother, Jennings Goldsmith; her sister-in-law, Marion Goldsmith; her brother-in-law, Dennis Gloeckner; and her nephew, Buster Goldsmith.
She is survived by her sister, Shirley Goldsmith Gloeckner, her children, Ray Dyer III and daughter-in-law Vincent Rawlings Dyer; Charlotte Dyer Dooley son-in-law, Kirk Dooley; Scott Dyer and daughter-in-law Stacey Holland Dyer; grandchildren Doug Dyer, Hayley Dyer, Catherine Dyer, Taylor Dyer Dressler and husband Al Dressler, Connor Dyer, Maggie Dooley, and Kellis Dooley.
Emmalene is also survived by nieces Cheryl Goldsmith and husband, Jack Plotkin; Denise Gloeckner Bryson and husband, Phil Bryson; Emily Gloeckner and son, Jackson Price; Heather Juarez and children Thomas Juarez and Aiden Juarez.
Emmalene and Ray moved to Blacksburg in 1960, and she helped her husband through 35 years in various roles at times, including office manager and nurse of his medical practice. Emmalene also volunteered in the community with various organizations and through donations helped support various local charities.
She was a member of Blacksburg United Methodist Church and Blacksburg Country Club. Emmalene was active in four bridge clubs and was an avid supporter of the Hokies. She loved raising her children and told them, “Always be kind to one another and no bickering.” Her favorites included family gatherings and visits, annual beach trips, red roses, and her Weimaraner and dachshund dogs.
In Emmalene’s later years, she focused on family, long-time friends, faith, and her church, supporting favorite charities, watching all the Hokie football and basketball games, playing bridge and reading several books each week and the daily newspaper. Emmalene’s family is very thankful for the wonderful care given at LewisGale Hospital Montgomery, Carilion Clinic Hospice, and Traci’s Caregivers.
A memorial service for Emmalene was held at Blacksburg United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. on June 29, 2021, with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful if donations are offered to Carilion Clinic Hospice – NRV (give.carilionfoundation.org/donate-now – designate New River Valley Hospice) or Blacksburg United Methodist Church (www.blacksburgumc.org). Online condolences may be made by visiting McCoy Funeral Home website, mccoyfuneralhome.com.
