Lois (Gainey) Tripp Van Dyke, a faithful follower of King Jesus, passed peacefully into her eternal rest on September 20, 2025, at the age of 85.
Lois was described as a wife of noble character to her first husband, the Rev. Elvin Terry Tripp, for 25 years. As a widow, she served four years (1985-1989) as president of Women’s Ministries for the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC), headquartered in Bethany, Oklahoma.
“Lois Tripp Van Dyke led Women’s Ministries with grace, wisdom, and a deep love for the Lord,” recalls Whitney Davis, present director of IPHC Women’s Ministries. “Faithfully building upon the foundation laid before her, she strengthened and expanded the work of Women’s Ministries, helping shape a legacy that continues to bless and guide women today. We honor her life with gratitude and give thanks for the impact of her leadership.”
“Lois Tripp Van Dyke was recognized notably for her leadership abilities,” says Mrs. Mary Belle Johnson, former IPHC Women’s Ministries president. “Lois led well with dedicated, willing hands and a servant’s heart. She left the fingerprints of Jesus on the hearts of many women and girls. Her legacy, no doubt, will live on through generations.”[i]
Brenda Clowers, retired IPHC missionary and leader of TEAMS, remembers the encouragement she received as Lois’s administrative assistant. “I was finishing my classes at Southwestern College (now Southwestern Christian University) when Lois hired me. She graciously allowed me to work flexible hours in order to complete my assignments,” she says. “I was always impressed by how she encouraged and supported others, both financially and spiritually. Lois also encouraged me in every aspect of office management. This experience prepared me for the years ahead. While I was employed for her, my husband and I began our journey to serve in World Missions. She allowed me to work right up to the last day possible, which was such a blessing. I truly appreciate Lois and the blessing she was to me during that transitional time of my life.”
In 1989, through God’s providence, Lois became a loving wife of noble character to Earl B. Van Dyke. They were married for 19 years before his passing in 2007.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents, William Wallace and Carrie Teal Gainey; her husbands, Rev. Elvin Terry Tripp (1938-1985), and Earl Bennett Van Dyke (1934-2007); her stepson, William Lance Van Dyke; and her brothers, Wallace, Lloyd, and Charles Gainey.
She is survived by her stepchildren, Benny Van Dyke, Suzanne Van Dyke, and Amy Van Dyke; grandchildren, Keith Van Dyke, Bennett Moore (Mandie), Melissa Smith (Josh), Jacob Moore (Elizabeth), Branden Van Dyke, Caleb Van Dyke (Sarah), and Lucas Van Dyke (Leah); nieces and nephews; and 19 beloved great-grandchildren.
Lois especially loved the Lord, her family, all babies, singing hymns, and butter pecan ice cream. Her life was a testimony of faith, perseverance, and devotion to prayer and God’s Word. Her legacy continues in the lives of those she guided and cherished.
Funeral services for Lois Tripp Van Dyke were held on September 23, 2025, at the West Huntsville Baptist Church, Huntsville, Alabama, with Pastor Scott Gossett officiating. Interment took place in Sardis Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Athens, Alabama.
[1] Additional information provided by Mrs. Mary Belle Johnson:
Lois Tripp Van Dyke, as Girl’s Ministries Director in the IPHC South Carolina Conference, captured the attention and admiration of the girls she mentored, taught, and led in spiritual growth. She modeled for them how to become respected Christians, successful in setting and achieving goals. As she ministered to the girls, she was also preparing herself for another position of distinction. In 1985, Lois Tripp was elected president of the IPHC Women’s Auxiliary, where, again, she served with admiration and appreciation. It was during this time that changes were debated with regard to the name–IPHC Women’s Auxiliary. During the 1985 General Conference, a motion was heard to change the name from Women’s Auxiliary to Women’s Ministries. At one point, the discussion focused on the definition of the term, Ministries vs. Auxiliary. Mrs. Tripp responded, “Ministry simply means ‘seeing a need and meeting it.’” With that simple clarification, he vote passed and the official name became Women’s Ministries of the IPHC and remains so in the 21st century. The second item referred to giving local WM leaders the distinction of being recognized as Local WM Directors, distinguishing them from General Presidents/Directors. This question also received a positive vote.
