Mary Nedra Dye

Nedra Dye

Nedra Dye, 87, formerly of Unionville, MO, passed into eternal peace and joy on February 14, 2012, at the Columbia Manor in Columbia, MO.
Mary Nedra (Jones) Dye was born November 20, 1924, a wonderful surprise and blessing to her parents, James Washington and Claudia (Shelton) Jones, aged 63 and 43 respectively. Nedra was raised on a farm six miles northeast of Unionville. She rode her horse, Dandy, five miles roundtrip to the Gray School. The family farm was known in the community for hosting music and dancing gatherings. Nedra developed a talent and passion for playing the piano.
Nedra married Monroe Junior Dye on August 7, 1940 and he passed away November 24, 1981. Junior had performed various labor for Nedra’s father and an attraction had developed. He jokingly remarked that he had married the boss’s daughter. The couple enjoyed riding horses together. Four children, Jimmie, Roger, Jo Ann, and Scott blessed this marriage. The family was quite active in the community and attended church every Sunday. A lot of family labor contributed to expanding the farm to 340 acres. The Jones/Dye farm originated in 1885 and is a Missouri Century Farm.
Nedra kept the farm together when she became a widow. She remained active in church, gardening, reading, and playing the piano. She raised beautiful flowers and enjoyed wildlife. Being a wonderful cook, she often hosted memorable meals for family and friends. Joys and sorrows were shared within the community and she was always present in times of need. Strongly independent, valuing serenity and time alone, Nedra made time to visit her children and their families. She fished in the ocean, hiked the Rocky Mountains, and rode on the back of her son’s Harley. She also enjoyed traveling and spending time with Ermil Riley, who was a special person in her life for several years.
Nedra was a constant source of love, encouragement, support, and wisdom. She provided a strong example of moral and ethical values. Her sense of humor was a delight. In 2006, health issues resulted in Nedra leaving the home and farm that she loved so much. Up until that time she had lived her entire 81 years in the same farm house in which she had been raised.
Loving memories of Nedra will forever be treasured by those who survive: her four children, Jim Dye and his wife Sherry of Elk Park, NC; Roger Dye of Denver, CO; Jo Ann Wait and her husband Jim of Columbia, MO; and Scott Dye and his wife Jan of Columbia, MO; and ten grandchildren, Chrissie, Natalie, Jamie, Jillian, Tammy, Jill, Nicholas, Todd, Dana, and Amy; and seven great grandchildren. Nedra always credited her loving influence on other people to her strong faith and to the power and glory of God.
In addition to her parents and husband, others who preceded Nedra in death were a brother, Lyle Brasfield, and a sister, Jennie Smith.
Funeral services for Nedra Dye will be at the First Christian Church in Unionville, MO, on Saturday, February 18, 2012, at 2:00 pm with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Thompson Cemetery, east of Unionville, MO.
Memorials are suggested to Shiloh Christian Children’s Home or the Thompson Cemetery and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.