Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Mervyn Dymally Obituary
A former press secretary for the Democratic lawmaker said Dymally died Sunday in Los Angeles. He was 86.
Jasmine Cannick said Dymally's health had been in decline.
In a political career that started in 1963, Dymally served in state office for more than two decades and spent another 12 years in Congress representing the South Los Angeles area.
The Trinidad-born Dymally became the state's first black lieutenant governor when he was elected in 1975.
Dymally was survived by his wife Alice, a son and a daughter.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
32 Entries
Katryna Dymally
July 24, 2025
My uncle was and still is an amazing man. I now carry the torch he passed on not just in politics but in purpose. To help my people overcome their struggles and support their dreams through education. I am proud of my uncle and I will continue to carry the banner of my family where ever I go.
Valenda Newell
October 30, 2016
When death overtakes a GREAT LEADER, death cannot kill their name......MAY GOD'S PEACE BE WITH YOU...RIH
Mervyn Dymally 1968
Sean Slush
May 3, 2014
How you can show support
Mervyn & Alice 1967
Ethelyn Gueno
February 26, 2013
Mohammed Ali, Alice & Mervyn Dymally 1968
Ethelyn Gueno
February 26, 2013
Mervyn & Alice Wedding Day 12/28/1968
Alice Dymally
February 26, 2013
Donna Dymally
November 1, 2012
May you rest in eternal peace....job well done.
October 17, 2012
Dr. dymally was not only a great boss, he was an inspiration. I became an educator in large part because of his committment to education. I have his book in my office and tell my students about him as often as I can. Rest in peace. My best to Mrs. Dymally, Mark and Lynn.
Patti Lotspeich Kolb
David Johnson
October 17, 2012
I was Dr. Dymally's administrative assistant for six of the years he served in Congress. Like he did for many others, he took me in, taught me, passed his values on to me, and gave me opportunities that were beyond my wildest dreams. He was a friend, a mentor, a role model. The world has lost one of its best.
Don Ward
October 16, 2012
September 1954 I was introduced to Mervyn by a mutual friend. I was looking for a room. He took me in and offered a place to stay. He would not accept rent. I was still in school and his only condition was that I stay in school and I was welcomed to stay with him and his wife, no rent.
We became close friends. He treated me like a brother. His kindness was remarkable and our friendship remained close until we lost touch.
Milton Drepaul
October 16, 2012
Mervyn it was a delight to work with you in Trinidad in 1996 in Basdeo Panday's successful campaign to become the first Prime Minister of Indian descent. I treasured your insights and humor. You have been a great mentor to my friend Sergio Bhairo. You have lived a life that is a model for many of us. We thank you for the political gifts you have shared.
Rose Tyson
October 12, 2012
May God give you Peace and Strength during this difficult .
Els and Bruce Johnson
October 11, 2012
Our condolences to the Dymally family. Our community will long benefit from his many contributions.
October 11, 2012
DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE DYMALLY FAMILY,MAY (GOD JAH)BLESS AND SMILE FAVORIBLY ON YOU.
Jean Washington
October 11, 2012
GOOD BYE my dear and trusted friend. You came you saw you conquered. Thanks for the memories. God Bless your Family in their time of need.
October 10, 2012
May you find comfort in the God of refuge at this time. Psalm 46:1
Elma Griffin
October 9, 2012
May The Father in Heaven give you solace, peace, and comfort during your time of bereavement.
October 9, 2012
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
The Pratt Family
October 9, 2012
We were sorry to hear of Mr. Dymally's death; he affected so many lives through his commitment both in words and deeds to helping all espire to the greatness within. May you find comfort in the words cited at John 3:16.
Olla Bartlett
October 9, 2012
Thank you for your support when my father Bertram W. Bartlett passed.Your presence was so uplifting. My heart goes out to your family and thank you for all the wonderful caring actions exhibited throughout the years.
Respectfully,
Olla Bartlett
RICHARD WERT
October 9, 2012
Mr. Dymally was a kind man. After he returned for his final time in the California legislature, I was in the building where his local office was office was located. He took the time to ask a white man in a wheelchair how my day was and how I was doing. Simple kindness illuminates this great man's true character.
Vicki Hicks
October 9, 2012
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. The Dymally Family have my deepest sympathy.
October 9, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the family during your time grief. Psalms 46:1 says God is for us a refuge and strength and a help readily to be found during difficult times. May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
Lynn
October 9, 2012
Mr.Dymally will be deeply missed by the lives he touched.Take comfort in your memories and draw strength from God to carry you in the days and weeks ahead (James 4:8).
October 9, 2012
Mr.Dymally was a great trailblazer and has left a great legacy,that will motivate and encourage us for generations.
jerry washington
October 9, 2012
Gone but never forgotten!
October 8, 2012
"May our Heavenly Father give you beauty for your ashes, the oil of joy for mourning and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.." Isaiah 61:3
Mellissa Truitt
October 8, 2012
Mervyn and I were on the same plan leaving LA a couple of years ago and he remembered me when I was worked for him in his office in LA. We talked quite a bit. Although we did lose touch, I had never fogotten Mervyn. He was smart, gracious, gifted, compassionate, charismatic, and an overall lovely human being. My prayers go out to Alice and family.
October 8, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Dymally family. The death of a love one cause great grief, may the loving memories of Mervyn, and the words of God at Psalms 55:22 bring you comfort at this difficult time.
Jem. Florida
October 8, 2012
May God supply your family comfort and peace at this time of sorrow. Psalms 55:22
October 8, 2012
Mr. Dymally made a significant contribution to society and will be dearly missed. Romans 15:33.
Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results
Make a Donation
in Mervyn Dymally's name
How to support Mervyn's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Mervyn Dymally's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored