|
DYKES Kristy Roberts Dykes, 56, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2008 at her home in Jacksonville. Mrs. Dykes was born August 2, 1951 in Jacksonville, Florida to Grace and Udell Roberts. Throughout her adult life, Kristy served in Christian ministry at the side of her husband Milton, who pastored a number of churches in the Southeast. Currently they pastor Southside Assembly of God in San Marco, the church Kristy attended from her early childhood and where she and Milton were married in 1971. Kristy attended Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida and later earned a B.S. in Journalism and Communications from Florida Southern College in Lakeland. She was an award-winning author whose published works include 10 inspirational novels and over 600 articles in many publications including two New York Times subsidiaries. She was a popular speaker for women's conferences and writers' events. Kristy also hosted a popular internet blog ( www.christianlovestories.blogspot.com) . "Pizzazz! Enthusiasm! High energy! Excellence! Whimsy! Those are a few words that describe Kristy Dykes. Her loving hands were constantly busy touching the lives of young and old in kind and helpful ways. Kristy taught us how to live and die with grace. Kristy is survived by her loving husband Milton of 37 years; two daughters, Julie Fernandez of Tampa, FL and Jennifer (Javier) Pascual of Puerto Rico; four grandchildren: Alexander and Nicholas Fernandez and Claudia and Lorenzo Pascual; sister, Rebecca (Don) Woods of Lakeland, FL; brother, Terry (Sandra) Roberts of Columbia, SC. She is also survived by other beloved family members. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Udell Roberts, Jr. The Dykes family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the congregation of Southside Assembly of God who have so lovingly cared for them throughout Kristy's illness. The visitation will be held this evening from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Southside Assembly of God, 2118 Kings Rd., where the celebration of her life will be held at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow, Thursday, July 24, 2008. Rev. Milton E. Dykes, her husband, will officiate. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Southside Assembly of God Building Fund, 2118 King's Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207. Arrangements under the direction and care of ETERNITY FUNERAL HOME, 4856 Oakdale Ave.
|
Deidre Leigh [Dede] Roberts (Duke)
Kristy and I were always in the same homeroom ; I sat in front of her. Unfortunately I didn't know Kristy well in high school; I just remember a shy sweet person. In my twenties, I got to know her mother Grace very well ; she was quick-witted and a real Christian role model with an uncompromising love of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She had her children memorize a scripture a day . That was a super way of getting God in and the world out !! She was a mentor for even the most mature Christian. According to her beautiful daughter Jennifer, Kristy was a bundle of energy as well as a talented author of Christian books in which she received second place in the 2007 Barclay Gold Award and third place in the 2007 Reader's Inspirational Choice Contest. Kristy's husband Milton Dykes who is Pastor of Southside Assembly of God church in Jax. expressed Kristy as having a "fun-loving" spirit. I hope you will take the time to go to Kristy's website.(There's a beautiful colored picture of her ,too.) Even though I didn't really know Kristy, I see how the Lord used her life ,and I recognize that she left her mark on the Church for the glory of God. What a remarkable servant. All praise to Him for Kristy. Dede Duke
Nancy Ellen Rampton (McAlister)
I remember Kristy's face and presence in our high school class. She had a ready smile and seemed to be so purposeful. The impact she had on my life was actually very recent. When my mother, Esther Rampton, was taken to the McGraw Center of NE Florida Hospice this past May, it happened that her pastor, Milton Dykes, was in the facility the night of her admittance. He was at McGraw tending to his wife, who was dying from complications of a brain tumor. Her room was down the hall. Pastor Dykes came to Mother's room in the wee hours to pray with her just befor she slipped into unconsciousness and it meant the world to her -- and to us. I had no idea at the time that Kristy Dykes was a high school classmate. Her life and witness through her writings were an inspiration to many, I have since learned.Deidre Leigh [Dede] Roberts (Duke)
(Taken from an article written about Kristy)“Pizzazz! Enthusiasm! High energy! Those are a few of the words that describe Kristy Dykes. From the moment she steps up to the platform, she captivates your attention. As both a writer and a speaker, Kristy is moving and motivating. She will touch your heart with love and laughter.”-- FLORENCE LITTAUER. A former newspaper columnist, Kristy Dykes is an award-winning author of 10 Christian fiction titles as well as over 600 articles in many publications including two New York Times subsidiaries. Her titles have been on the Christian bestsellers list and Top 20 List at christianbook.com, and have won many awards including Second Place in the 2007 Barclay Gold, Third Place in the 2007 Inspirational Readers Choice Contest, and Third Place in the ACFW 2006 Book of the Year Contest (novella category). Kristy writes a column for the ezine of the inspirational chapter of Romance Writers of America, has taught at many conferences and two colleges, and speaks for women's and writers' events. Living a kaleidoscopic life as a pastor’s wife, she jokes that she has 1.2 million acts of kindness in circulation instead of 1.2 million books. And she loves every minute of it!
A RECENT AWARD
Kristy won Second Place in the 2007 Barclay Gold for her novella "Angel Food" in the 4-in-1 collection Kiss the (Cook) Bride. She won Third Place for the same title in the 2007 Inspirational Readers Choice Contest, awarded by FHL, the inspirational chapter of Romance Writers of America. Kristy also won Third Place in the 2006 Book of the Year Contest, awarded by American Christian Fiction Writers, for her novella "Reunited" in the 4-in-1 collection Wedded Bliss?.
KRISTY'S PUBLISHED WORKS
The Heart of the Matter
Kiss the Bride
Wedded Bliss?
Room At the Inn
Holiday At the Inn
The Tender Heart
Church in the Wildwood
Sweet Liberty
American Dream
KRISTY'S UPCOMING RELEASE
Florida Weddings (Spring '08)
KRISTY'S LATEST BOOKS
1) The Heart of the Matter, a novel, is now available at christianbook.com. "Can Luke overcome his vain prejudice? Can Jeris allow her tender heart to trust again? Will they let God show them the heart of the matter?" (1 Samuel 16:7) 2) Kiss the Bride, a 4-in-1 novella collection, is also available. Coauthors: Kristy Dykes, Aisha Ford, Vickie McDonough, Carrie Turansky. Plot: Four restaurant owners discover a dash of hope, a dollop of longing, and a plateful of faith are the recipe for romance.
Chris Pratt (Whitaker)
Thanks for the update. It is so nice to hear of her witness and commitment to Christ. The words "well done good and faithful servant" come to mind. May her husbandand family rest in the loving arms of Jesus and heal from their loss. Chris Pratt Whitaker