Maxine Ryals Tyer

February 21, 1948 – April 27, 2023

Written (mostly) by Niece Amy Cronin

Maxine Tyer passed away peacefully with her husband by her side on April 27, 2023 from a brain aneurism at the age of 75.

Maxie was born in Perry, Georgia, the third of 5 girls to the late Mildred “Peggy” Elizabeth (Foster) and the late James Mack Ryals of Wheeler County, Georgia.

Maxie was so academically gifted, she skipped the 8th grade and finished at Jeff Davis High School after the 11th grade. She never received a high school diploma. She attended Middle Georgia College followed by the University of Georgia where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics.

It was at the University of Georgia where Maxie met her dream man. The day after their graduation, Maxie and Gerry were married at First Presbyterian Church of Athens, Georgia on August 24, 1968. They were married for almost 55 years. Maxie stood by Gerry as he attended Princeton Seminary and Boston University. She became the wife of a doctor…the Rev. Dr. Gerry Tyer! She later earned a Master of Science degree in adult education from the Ohio State University.

Maxie began her career as a math teacher for 7-9 graders in New Jersey and Minnesota. After earning her master’s degree, she taught college-level math courses in Ohio and Florida. Her mission was primarily to help women seeking employment to obtain or refresh their math skills after returning to the workforce following the rearing of children or other circumstance.

Maxie always considered her life with Gerry as an adventure, as they moved throughout the country, making friends all along the way. She and Gerry travelled with their careers, including Princeton, NJ, Bloomington, IL, Trenton, NJ, West Collingswood NJ, St. Paul, MN, Columbus, OH, St. Petersburg, FL and finally Irving, TX where Maxie and Gerry retired.

They loved taking car road trips and visited most of the states east of the Mississippi River and many of the states in the West after moving to Texas.

Most of the nieces and nephews’ first plane ride was courtesy of the Tyers as a high school graduation gift, along with a week-long visit. One of many nieces remembered the special love and care given to

her by Maxie and Gerry, and remembers funny life lessons handed down by Maxie. One was, “…get 21 pairs of underwear, and you only have to do laundry every 3 weeks.” Maxie thought of her skin as “pasty” while the rest of us admired her “porcelain” skin and beautiful blue eyes. Being a preacher’s wife came with many advantages, including attending a great sermon each week. When a congregant said one week, “I didn’t see you last week, Maxie,” she coyly answered, “I didn’t see you either!” Even a preacher’s wife skips church occasionally!

Maxie was an avid reader. Her favorite mystery novel authors were Nevada Barr, Helen MacInnes, Agatha Cristy, James Lee Burke, C.J. Box, Tony Hillerman, and J.A. Jance. Her favorite feminist authors were Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Gloria Steinem, Erica Jong, and Betty Friedan.

Maxie is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Gerry Tyer. Maxie is also survived by four loving sisters, Patty (Bobby) Beasley, Millie (Ted) Yaun, Mary Ann (Greg) Thompson, and Kaye Daniel, as well as many nieces and nephews. Maxie was also close with her dear friends in Texas, Ernie Higginbotham, Donna McKay, and Berta Adams. Rev. Amos Disasa was very special to them both.

A Memorial Service will be conducted at First Presbyterian Church of Dallas, 1835 Young Street, Dallas, Texas 75201 at 10:00 am on May 4, 2023 with Pastor Amos Disasa officiating. There will be a visitation following the service. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Maxie’s memory may be sent to First Presbyterian Church of Dallas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/irving-tx for the Tyer family.