Bobbie Jean Dykes

Bobbie Jean Dykes, age 96, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 29, 2025, at Comfort Care Nursing Center in Laurel, MS. Born on July 6, 1929, in Lucedale, Bobbie was the third of six siblings born to Coyt and Moddie Brooks. She grew up on the family farm in the Barton Community of George County and graduated from Hurley High School. She began her career in nursing at Charity Hospital of New Orleans and interned at Laurel General Hospital. As a RN, she served with Dr. Morrison at Laurel Pediatric Clinic and in the ER at Jones County Community Hospital. On October 26, 1951 Bobbie married Elson “Red” Dykes whom she met when he was a patient in the hospital ER. Bobbie and Red settled in the Powers community of Jones County where they raised their children. When Red opened his business as an electrical contractor Bobbie retired from nursing and became bookkeeper for Dykes Electric. Following Red’s retirement, Bobbie and Red loved to travel with friends to air shows and other destinations across the country. Bobbie loved her family and friends and was steadfast in her Christian faith. She was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church of the Powers Community and later became a member of Erata Primitive Baptist Church with her husband. Bobbie was preceded in death by Elson Dykes, her husband of 65 years; sisters Anna Lean Brooks and Avis Hinton (C.D.); brothers Dale Brooks (Ruth) and J. D. Brooks (Cora Frances); and parents Coyt and Moddie Brooks. She is survived by her sister Martha Marion; son Frank Dykes (Angie) and daughter Karen Graves (Jeff); grandsons Braxton Dykes, Parker Dykes, and Kent Graves (Brittanie); granddaughter Rene Shelby (Brent); great-grandchildren Cannon Shelby, Brooklyn Shelby, Bennett Graves, and Coyt Graves. The family extends their appreciation to the staff at Comfort Care and to Bobbie’s roommate, Mrs. Jean Johnson who was very attentive and compassionate to Bobbie during her stay. Services will take place at Journey Church of Laurel on Saturday, August 2. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Brother Robby Johnson officiating. Pallbearers will be Jason Loper, James White, James Breland, Brent Shelby, and grandsons Braxton Dykes and Kent Graves. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Bobbie Jean Dykes

July 6, 1929 - July 29, 2025