Jennie Lee Dycus

ARLINGTON -- Jennie Lee Dycus, 94, a woman of substance and faith, of grace and charm, died Tuesday evening, Feb. 2, 2016, at her home, with her son and several caregivers at her side. Funeral: 11 a.m. Saturday at Fielder Church, 1323 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington. Interment: East Bridgeport Cemetery, Bridgeport. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Dycus would be honored by memorials to the Arlington-based nonprofits The Porch Light Foundation, mariannebearddo.org, and Helping Restore Ability, hratexas.org. Dr. Beard and HRA both greatly elevated her quality of life. Jennie Lee Paschall graduated from Decatur Baptist College in 1938 and North Texas State Teachers College in Denton in 1940. She taught grades first through fourth at Red Willow School, out in the country six miles northwest of Chico, before becoming the business instructor at her alma mater, DBC. Later she substitute-taught in Fort Worth special education. She grew up in her beloved Bridgeport in Wise County, the daughter of Ed and Nellie Paschall and sister of Frank Paschall and Dennis Paschall. She graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1936. She and Roger Dycus of Seymour married April 2, 1944, in the parlor of the girls dorm at Dallas Baptist College. Four years later they had a son, John. To all of these elements in her life, her devotion never wavered. If it is possible to be born Baptist, then she was. Roger bought her a piano, hoping to hear the occasional "Memphis Blues," but she was more inclined to "In the Garden." And that was just fine. On April 27, 2001, she joined, referring to her age, "Club 80." For years she sang in the senior choir and taught Sunday school at Fielder Road Baptist Church, where she remained active with the Triple L seniors outreach. Previously, she taught Sunday school and played piano at Southwayside Baptist Church in Fort Worth. She, Roger and John moved to Arlington in 1976. She gave freely of her time and other resources to Helping Restore Ability. She was a grateful donor to Dallas Baptist College and to pretty much any organization that asked. If she met you, chances are she liked you. She answered the phone with a smile in her voice. She loved to laugh. She never complained. Her son called her a national treasure. He'd be surprised if anyone disagreed. Her husband, Roger, died in 1986. Survivors: Her son, John; and numerous nieces and nephews.