Juanita Beryl Hannon Dade, 83 years old, died Thursday, July 9, 2015 following an extended illness. She was surrounded by family and friends. She is survived by one daughter, Beryl C. Dade of Baltimore, Md., one son, Oren S. Dade of Bloomington, Ill., one granddaughter, Alanna C. Dade of Plainfield, N.J., and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and honorary relations. Beryl was a native of Tryon, but spent many years in Ohio and New Jersey. She went to junior and senior high in Shaker Heights, Ohio. She received her bachelor’s degree from Ohio University where she competed as a member of the swim team and field hockey team, master’s degree from Columbia Teachers’ College and supervisory certification from Kean College, N.J.

During 37 years of being an educator, Beryl taught first in Cleveland, Ohio and then in the Montclair, N.J. Public Schools teaching grades one through eight. She was one of the first African-American teachers at Hillside Elementary in Montclair. She was a learning center teacher, language arts/reading specialist, conducted an annual New Jersey history and geography cultural tour, on the board of the Liberty Science Center, and member of several educational associations. She was also the director of Montclair YWCA After-School Program, switchboard operator and customer service rep for Bambergers/Macy’s, and an active member of The League of Women Voters.  Additionally, she was a seamstress making for herself and her daughter matching outfits and outfits for her daughter’s special events.  All of this was done along with marriage and raising two children.

After Beryl retired she returned to Tryon and began a new period of being an educator through involvement in a multitude of volunteer activities: American Legion Auxiliary, Red Cross Board of Directors, Youth Task Force Polk County Community Relations, Docent at the House of Flags Museum, Thermal Belt Friendship Council, Train Depot Restoration Committee, IRS VITA program, arts and crafts instructor for Roseland Summer Program, an original member of the Carson Scholarship Committee, Tryon’s Eastside Citizens Advisory Committee, Street Captain and organizer for the Community Watch Program for emergency preparedness, bridge club and a foster-owner training and socializing selected canines for the Foothills Humane Society’s K9s for Warriors program.

Church was an integral part of Beryl’s life and she was involved in many aspects of it.  As a child she attended Good Shepherd in Tryon and then in Cleveland, Ohio she was assistant director of the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Youth Group and in the Youth Choir.  At Ohio University she was affiliated with the Canterbury Club at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd on campus attending retreats, dances and involvement with town members. In Montclair, N.J. she attended Trinity Episcopal Church and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and worked with the Sunday school. When she returned to Tryon she became the third generation who offered educational programs at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church.  She started the Homework Center to provide after-school academic support to students.  She was on the Good Shepherd Dinner Dance committee and was an honoree.  She was chair of the Good Shepherd Scholarship Committee.  She was on the Good Shepherd Cemetery Board and responsible for grounds maintenance, plot assignment and military holiday display.

Renowned for her service to the community through her volunteering spirit Beryl received many awards and certificates. On September 2, 1999 she received the 1999 NC Governor’s Award for Volunteerism, on July 27, 2000 she was inducted into the Second Wind Hall of Fame, and on February 15, 2015 a program to celebrate the life and achievements of Beryl was held at Good Shepherd Church where the Town of Tryon presented to her a proclamation in recognition of her service to Tryon and Polk County.  To this end one of her final undertakings that she was actively working on until the very last was the creation of a community park situated on the Hannon family homestead which is located on Wilderness Road.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 16, 2015 in the Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Tryon, N.C. with Rev. Timothy Hoyt officiating.

The family will receive friends from 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2015 in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, N.C.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Good Shepherd Scholarship Fund, Foothills Humane Society’s K9s for Warriors, or Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

McFarland Funeral Chapel
Tryon, N.C.