Paige Dunnavant Ryder

June “Paige” Dunnavant Ryder, 86, of Durham, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025, at Hock Family Pavilion in Durham, NC. She was a devout Christian, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt.

Mrs. Ryder was born on July 31, 1938, in Charlotte County, VA, to the late Joseph Puryear and Bertha Blackstock Dunnavant. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Hoyt Ryder, Sr., and her sister, Gwen Townsend.

She is survived by her son, John H. Ryder, Jr.; daughter, Ann Ryder; sister, Mary D. Rowe; grandchildren, Dustin (Brandi) Ryder, John David Ryder (Courtney), and Amary Ryder; and great-grandchildren, Jaxson Ryder, Lillian June Ryder, and Bodhi Ryder, as well as many nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Paige was a charter member of Page Road Baptist Church and joyfully sang in the church choir for much of her life. She was also a proud member of Lynn's Crossroads Ruritan Club and dedicated years of service as a volunteer at Duke Hospital and on the Amtrak train.

Known for her selfless heart, gentle spirit, and unwavering love for family, Paige touched the lives of all who knew her. She was the kind of woman who always put others first — whether cooking homemade biscuits, her famous chicken tetrazzini, or sweet potato casserole for loved ones, or spending summers making magical memories for her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. From taking them fishing, bowling, and to Vacation Bible School, to making every meal and moment special, Paige gave freely of her time and love.

An early riser, she cherished quiet mornings with coffee, her Bible, and occasionally a game of Solitaire. Her talents were endless — she sewed, gardened with a green thumb, crafted dolls, ceramics, woodwork, and scrapbooks, and designed cherished recipe books for her church. She loved playing Rook with family, her soft giggle filling the room, and amazed everyone with her trivia knowledge and creativity. She also thoroughly enjoyed bird watching.

Emotionally sensitive, deeply empathetic, and passionately dedicated in all she did, Paige left a lasting impression on her family and community. So much so that several family members proudly carry her name in her honor — a testament to her enduring influence and legacy of love.

She will be forever missed and lovingly remembered.

Visitation will be held at Page Road Baptist Church on Monday, June 9th, 2025, beginning at 12:30 P.M., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 P.M.

Page Road Baptist Church: 1912 Page Rd, Durham, NC 27703