Irene "Granny" Floyd Dykes

Mrs. Irene "Granny" Floyd Dykes, age 88, a longtime resident of Earleton passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at Haven Hospice E.T. York Care Center. She was born February 21, 1931, in Savannah, Georgia to Waldo Emerson and Nana Mae (Way) Floyd. Mrs. Dykes earned an Undergraduate Degree in English and a Masters Degree in Education, which led to a longtime career working with Duval County and Clay County School Boards as an educator and counselor until her retirement. She was a faithful member of CrossPoint Church and hosted a church community group at her home on Wednesday nights. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society. Mrs. Dykes took up painting after her retirement under the pen name of "Chenk" short for "Chinquapin", as her father used to tell her she had eyes as dark as the acorn from the Chinquapin tree. She believed in fitness and worked out in the gym three times a week and biked many miles around her neighborhood. Mrs. Dykes enjoyed traveling and the outdoors, visiting Alaska on sightseeing and fishing excursions with her husband, friends, and family for 20 years, Crescent Beach on an annual family trip, the camp in Georgia, and the mountains in the fall to see the changing leaves. With an unequaled zest for life, she enjoyed hosting her friends on most Fridays for a day of card playing, walking on the beach, entertaining guests (she was an excellent cook), but most of all she loved spending time with her family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her eldest son Gary Dykes, three brothers, and two sisters. Her survivors are her loving husband of 69 years Charles Herbert (Herb, aka "Papa") Dykes and their three children Mark Dykes (Nancy) and Mike Dykes (Kim) all of Keystone Heights along with Nandra Weeks (Rick) of Jacksonville. Also left behind are her ten precious grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. The passionate love and faithfulness shared by Granny and Papa is an inspiration to us all. The family will receive friends Sunday, January 19, 2020, from 5-7 p.m. at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home (Keystone Heights, FL). Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 20, 2020, in Eliam Baptist Church (Melrose, FL) with Rev. Rick Ergle officiating. Interment will follow at Eliam Cemetery followed by lunch and fellowship in the Family Life Center of Eliam Baptist Church. Mrs. Dykes loved flowers and they are welcome. Memorial contributions may also be made to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32606. Arrangements are under the care of JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 340 East Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, FL 32656. www.jonesgallagherfh.com. Cemetery Eliam Cemetery 861 State Road 21 North Melrose FL 32666 US Visitation Sunday, January 19, 2020 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Keystone Heights 340 East Walker Drive Keystone Heights FL 32656 US (352) 473-3176 Funeral Service Monday, January 20, 2020 11:00 AM - Eliam Baptist Church 6009 Hampton Street Melrose FL 32666 US Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Keystone Heights 340 East Walker Drive Keystone Heights FL - 32656 US (352) 473-3176