Cathy Doreen Dyal

Cathy Doreen Dyal, 74, of Valdosta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Archbold Medical Center in Thomasville, Georgia, after a lengthy illness.
Born on September 13, 1950, in Tampa, Florida, Cathy was the daughter of the late Samuel Hamilton Carroll and Hilda William (Damon) Carroll. A dedicated educator, she served as a Substitute Special Education Teacher at Westside Elementary School with the Lowndes County Board of Education. Her gentle spirit and compassion made a lasting impact on her students and colleagues alike.
Cathy was a devoted member of Corinth Baptist Church, where she faithfully taught Sunday School for many years until her health no longer allowed her to continue. She had a deep love for writing and was known for her beautiful, graceful handwriting. In her quiet moments, she found joy in reading, solving crossword puzzles, and, most of all, cherishing time with her beloved grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Cathy is preceded in death by her brother, Samuel Bruce Carroll; her sister, Diane Smith; and her niece, Tina Louise Smith.
She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Ricky J. Dyal of Valdosta, Georgia; her children: Sammy Hodge, Jeff Hodge, Sheila Youmans (Phillip), Ida Marie Dyal, Missy Anne Atteberry (Brent), Michael Dyal, Emily Dyal, Cora Fry (Tim) all of Valdosta, Georgia; 17 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; her brother, Bruce Carroll (Tammy) of Tampa, Florida; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 in the Chapel of Music Funeral Services of Valdosta with burial to follow in Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Monday, June 30, 2025 at the funeral home. Kind words and expressions of sympathy can be left for the family at www.musicfuneralservices.com . The Dyal family is being served by the professional and caring staff of Music Funeral Services of Valdosta.