In the quiet town of Soso, Mississippi, a gentle soul bid farewell to the world. Frances Dykes, aged 68, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at her residence, leaving behind a legacy of love, family, and unwavering faith. Frances, born on September 15, 1955, in Laurel, Mississippi, lived a life filled with compassion, kindness, and a deep connection to her faith. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ricky Dykes, whom she considered her soulmate forever and always, and her parents, Johnnie Ingram and Katie Ryals.
Frances is survived by her loving son, Brad Dykes, residing in Dayton, Ohio, and her devoted daughter, Amanda Corley, along with her son-in-law Kevin Bowman, in Ackerman, Mississippi. Her legacy extends to her cherished grandchildren: Sarah Pettit and Tarah Dykes in Dayton, Ohio, Tayler Corley at Mississippi State University, and Kamden Bowman in Ackerman, Mississippi.
Frances was the epitome of a beloved wife, mother, and nannie. Her love for her family knew no bounds, and her nurturing spirit radiated warmth to all who were fortunate enough to be a part of her life.
In her journey as a mother, Frances was not only a caregiver but also a source of strength and guidance. Her legacy lives on through the values she instilled in her children and the precious memories they shared together. Frances was not just a matriarch; she was the heartbeat of her family, and her absence leaves a void that can only be filled with the echoes of the love she bestowed upon them.
Frances’s caring nature extended beyond her family into her professional life. As a nurse, she devoted herself to the well-being of others, bringing comfort and healing to those under her care. Her compassion knew no bounds, and her patients were not just recipients of medical care but recipients of genuine kindness and empathy.
A Woman of Faith
Frances was a member of Big Creek Baptist Church, where her faith blossomed and became an integral part of her identity. Her relationship with Jesus was the cornerstone of her strength, and she carried this faith with her through life’s joys and challenges. Frances’s desire for others to know and experience the love of Jesus was a testament to the profound impact her faith had on her own life. Visitation to celebrate Frances’s life took place on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel on 4593 Indian Springs Road. The funeral services followed at 2:00 PM, with the burial at Big Creek Cemetery in Soso, Mississippi.
Brother Adam Sloan officiated the funeral services, guiding the gathering in remembering and honoring Frances’s remarkable life. Pallbearers, including Brad Dykes, Tayler Corley, Kevin Bowman, John Pearson, Jason Jefcoat, and Brian Johnson, carried her on her final journey. In lieu of flowers, the family humbly requested that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This compassionate gesture aligns with Frances’s spirit of caring for others, even beyond her time on Earth.
