Ariel June (Mcleod) Dykes

Heaven’s gate opened for Ariel June Dykes on April 21, 2020 at the age of 70. June, as everyone fondly called her, was born June 19, 1949. She was the baby of 7 children to W.L. and Ernestine (Fairley) McLeod. There was a joyous reunion when June made it to her eternal heavenly home. She was greeted with open arms by her Savior, Jesus Christ; her father, W.L. McLeod; her husband, David Dykes; her son, David “Booney” Dykes, Jr.; her brother, W.L. McLeod, Jr., and her nephew, Marzette Breland. She leaves behind to cherish her memories: her mother, Ernestine McLeod; sisters, Wilhelmina Breland, Neicee Rose, Katie (Hubert) Jackson, Dottie (George) Lyttle and Rose Jones; her granddaughter, Denajah Bennett; a host of nieces and nephews: Colby Breland, Danny (Carla) Breland, Judy Lynn McDonald, Katrina Brockington, Cherroal Davis, Lisa Jackson, Kim Dickey, Missy Dickey, Doyle (Keith) Walker, Karrell Kennedy, Hubert “Burt” (Karyn) Jackson and tons of great and great-great nieces and nephews, with additional extended family and friends. June grew up on the McLeod farm where she was the water carrier and whatever else that she was told to do. Lots of love poured over her, being the baby of 7 children born within 10 years. June was the type of child that soaked in and observed everything going on around her. She had an old soul beyond her years, even at an early age. June attended St. John’s Elementary School and graduated with the Class of 1967 from Perry County Attendance Center. She had beautiful penmanship and perfect grades. She then went on to attend college in TN before moving to New York to receive her accounting degree from Queens College. June worked for over 30 years with the City of New York Agency for Child Development. While in New York with her sister Katie, June met the love of her life, David. They were married on December 3, 1969.  David took them traveling all over while serving in the Army. They ended up in Hawaii for some time and June kept the family going while David was serving in Vietnam. The reunion when he came home from overseas, could not compare to the one when they met again in heaven! June was reserved, classy and anything but boring. She loved to travel by ship, air, bus and automobile if she could be the driver! Throughout her life, she enjoyed the finer things in life and formal outings. She enjoyed dancing, good food, good company and loved the color purple. In 2008, June came back south to the McLeod homestead. She was a devoted Christian. She was raised in Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church where she was baptized in Christ and was a member. She had many favorite passages from the bible but one of the all-time go-to scriptures was Psalms 91. June will always be remembered for her radiant laugh, contagious smile and open heart. She was known as the “secret keeper”. Everyone has a different story of her, depending on what was needed at the time. June was best known for her ability to give sound advice, long hugs, never being judgmental, always willing to help and there being no doubt where you stood with her. She had an empathic heart towards others and a joyful spirit that will be forever remembered. Fly high, my friend, fly high! A Celebration of Life to honor June will be held at a later date.