Jason Dyer
By Lisa Dyer Penland
Guest Writer
When we all get to the end of this journey called life, I suppose there is one fear that all of us share and that fear is to never be forgotten. This true in the life of an 11-year-old boy, William Jason Dyer. In May 1987 Jason was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia while attending fourth grade at Hayesville Elementary School.
Jason fought this battle against the unseen enemy called cancer and along the way he taught his family and friends what it means to be a real fighter. While on the road to Atlanta to take dozens of chemo and radiation treatments, Jason spoke openly and honestly with his parents, Bill and Lois, about the hopes, dreams and fears. Jason fought his battle for 53 weeks after being diagnosed. A cure was not meant to be and Jason passed away on May 26, 1988. Before he left this world to a better home in heaven, he said these words to family, “I don’t want to be forgotten.” As those words echoed in his family’s mind and ears, his mother knew she had to do something to keep Jason’s memory alive.
The first Thanksgiving after Jason’s death, Lois decided to fix Thanksgiving dinner and deliver those hot meals to the elderly in her area of Shooting Creek in honor of her son’s memory. That year the family fixed about 100 diners and delivered them to the shut-ins and neighbors that were alone.
The yearly tradition, which started out from the humble beginnings of Jason’s home, has now moved to the fellowship hall at Faith Tabernacle Church, where Jason’s dad, Bill, is pastor.
This year will be the 36th year of that tradition where friends and family have been served and fed. Jason’s family would like to invite the elderly, veterans and any families having a difficult time this year to come and have a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings at no charge.
This is Jason’s legacy and his family and friends keep it alive so that no one is forgotten on Thanksgiving. The dinner will take place at Faith Tabernacle Church at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 15. The church is located three miles east of Hayesville. For details call (828) 389-8143 or Lois (828) 389-9825.