Dynese Marie McClumpha

dynese and i first met in 2003 at the ann arbor art fair. she would come purchase my work until i saw hers and thus began a trading relationship, which led to friendship. although i only saw her once a year, i couldn't wait to see her. i kept trying to text her to be sure she was ok, but never received an answer. my heart is heavy and the tears are flowing. i will miss you dynese.

As one of the newest members of the guild I only came to really know Dynese this year. Before that she was the late night potter, working creatively with textures and color combinations. Her work was bright, fun and functional in unique ways--such as a wall holder for the grocery list that always is cluttering up the counter. When I became a member I learned that she has a huge heart and a deep sense of fairness, always treating others with respect. She gave us newbies the orientation to...

I met Dynese in 1986 when she was a fellow co worker of a housemate of mine at the time. I came home from classes to find her seated at our kitchen table on E. Jefferson in an outfit that included suspenders and eye-popping yellow socks. She had just returned from an English teaching job in Madrid. She was as cute as a button in her outfit and I thought her the bravest woman in the world for having traveled abroad alone. Dynese.

I met Dynese at the bus stop in 8th grade where she taught me to play Jot, a word game that filled the time perfectly for waiting for the bus & has in similar circumstances across the years since. We have stayed at each other's places here in "Portlandia" and there in Madrid across 43 years & 9 time zones. Not incidentally, my husband and I have been using ceramic bowls she made and gave us over 25 years ago as wedding gifts and will continue to think of her every time we use those and other...

I met Dynese in 1986 when we were both working at the Ann Arbor Borders. Dynese had come back for a second tour @ Borders after a "sabbatical" in Europe. Joe Gable, the longtime mgr of the store, was notoriously picky regarding hiring. To be rehired was, ipso facto, an accolade, although Joe would never admit it. Like most of us in those yrs, she had a soft spot for the store and Gable. What Joe got was a wonderful employee who was good with customers, knew the stock and was well-liked by her...

The Potters Guild has lost such a valuable member. Dynese was such a hard working person. When a roadblock would appear in her life she could always figure out how to work her way around it. I just figured she would be able to beat this one also. I am so sad that she couldn't. We will all truly miss her at our Guild. I know she'll be knitting and making pots in heaven...xo

Dynese, I enjoyed the time we spend together and was oftem mazed at how you would take on some of the most difficult jobs at the Potters Guild with vigor. When I'm at the guild and heard great music, stay crazy late working in clay or think about how generious you were by staying late after class, I will smile and think of you. Sorry you had to go so soon.
One of the 3 Denises

Dynese was a long time friend, neighbor and classmate through elementary school and high school. Although college sent us on our separate paths, I always thought fondly of our times together growing up and at special moments in our adult lives... A talented, smart, down-to-earth, sincere and gifted individual. She left a lasting impression of a life well lived, good will and strength of character. She will be missed and fondly remembered.

I am sad to hear this news... I met Dynese through the Ann Arbor Fiberarts Guild many years ago when she was working with fiber. She later became an accomplished and talented clay artist and her beautiful textural work really spoke to me. I will miss her great energy and her lovely smile. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family.