There she was, floating down Jefferson Street with a handful of vibrant orange, green, and purple balloons and a smile wide enough to light up all of downtown. It could only be Debbie Dyer, beaming with excitement for another event dedicated to showcasing Huntington’s artists and their works. The enthusiasm she shows is part of her enduring passion for cultivating an arts culture within the community.

Debbie’s dedication is matched by her engaging personality, making her a lifelong advocate and caretaker. She derives immense satisfaction from witnessing others’ successes, especially young people.

She was born in 1953 in Valdosta, Georgia, to James and Norma Jean Miller. Her father was an Air Force veteran, and after his service the family relocated to Chicago, where James became a captain with the Chicago Fire Department. Debbie, the eldest of three sisters, naturally embraced a caretaker role, a trait that has continued throughout her life. Music was a constant in their home, with her father enjoying Perry Como and Neil Diamond. Even today, the sound of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” can bring Debbie to her feet to sing along.

In 1972, while a student at Moraine Valley Community College, Debbie met David Dyer, a department store security guard who invited her for a pitcher of beer. They married in 1973 and soon welcomed their son, David. After the elder Dyer earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1979, the family moved to Huntington to take over a chiropractic practice. Debbie assisted in running the office, and their second son, Derek, was born in 1980.

The Dyers quickly integrated into the community, joining various organizations. Debbie became involved with the Tri Kappa philanthropic sorority, the LaFontaine Arts Council, and volunteered for Junior Achievement, Arts United, and the Froebel Club. She and David were actively involved in their sons’ activities, from sports to marching band. Debbie ensured her children were immersed in the arts from an early age, attending concerts, operas, plays, and musicals. Both Derek and David took piano lessons, and arts were given as much emphasis as sports.

Each Halloween, Debbie showcased her creativity with handmade costumes for her boys — Derek as a pumpkin and David, albeit reluctantly, in a purple bunny costume. Later, when the first Dyer grandchildren came along, she created Cousin Camp, featuring movies, music, artwork, and outings to Fort Wayne Tin Caps baseball games.