Iva Shirley Beaver Dyer

Iva Shirley Beaver Dyer, age 91, of Jackson, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at The Willows on Monday, June 16, 2025.

Born on July 11, 1933, Shirley was the daughter of the late Gordon and Electa Smith Beaver, and was raised in the community of Beaver in Tipton County, TN. After her father’s passing during her teenage years, she helped run the family’s cotton gin and country store, a formative experience that instilled in her a lifelong work ethic and sense of responsibility.

Shirley’s life was defined by her adventurous spirit, dedication to service, and deep love for her family. At just 16, she began college at UT Martin and finished her bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She went on to serve as a County Extension Agent in Decatur County, Tennessee, a role that launched a career devoted to community betterment. Over the years, she worked in various capacities—including as a florist, with the Girl Scouts of America, and business owner. Never one to shy away from new experiences, she even took flying lessons and once considered joining the Peace Corps. She often joked that her true calling might have been as a NASCAR driver, a nod to her love for fast cars and bold adventures.

Shirley’s professional path reflected her belief in lifelong learning and her passion for empowering others. She spent nearly four decades in Clinton, Illinois, where she worked with the Home Extension Service and served on the County 4-H Board. Under her guidance, local programs flourished—offering everything from computer classes to investment clubs, expanding access to education and personal development across her community.

She was equally devoted at home. A talented cook and natural caregiver, Shirley found joy in preparing meals, tending her flower-filled yard, and caring for her family. She championed healthy living and was a trusted source for natural remedies and wellness advice. An avid puzzle-solver, she completed a Sudoku nearly every day, keeping her mind sharp and engaged.

Perhaps most meaningful was her role as a loving mother and grandmother. A proud “Sports Mom” and “Sports Grandmother,” Shirley rarely missed a game, meet, or performance. She was her family’s biggest cheerleader.

Shirley’s life was a vibrant tapestry of curiosity, generosity, and love. She had a gift for making others feel supported and encouraged, much like the flowers she so lovingly nurtured in her garden.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband and soulmate, Reginal Leon Dyer of Scotts Hill, TN, and her sister, Lenvil Oneda Ledbetter. She is survived by her daughter, Carmeda Lynne Dyer Keen, and son-in-law, Joey Keen, of Jackson, TN; her cherished granddaughter, Kendall Keen of Jackson, TN; her sister, Carmen Theo Harchfield of Lakeland, TN; and her brother, Lemuel Gordon Beaver of Munford, TN.

Shirley leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and adventure—a life well-lived and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

SERVICES: A visitation to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Arrington Funeral Directors, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel, officiated by Dr. Todd Brady. Interment will be at the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Decatur County, TN.

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