Donna Faye Dykes

Donna Faye Dykes, 71, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2024. Born on September 17, 1952, in Gulfport, where she also drew her last breath, Donna's life was a testament to the power of love, compassion, and faith. Growing up in Harrison County, her early years were filled with the simple joys of Southern living. It was in 1972 that she met the love of her life, a meeting that would shape her journey and fill her days with laughter, dreams, and an unbreakable bond. Together, they enjoyed cooking, turning their kitchen into a haven of aromas where gumbo, tacos, and Tennessee brownies were not just food, but expressions of love. Donna's professional life was dedicated to caregiving, a role she embraced with her whole heart on the Gulf Coast. She poured her soul into caring for others. Her compassion was a source of comfort and warmth to many. She loved spending time in her garden, where she tended to her plants with a green thumb, a trait she inherited from her grandmother. Shopping trips to flea markets or traveling to Atlanta, she always stayed busy. Donna was affectionately known as "Nana" to her grandchildren and boy did she love spoiling them as much as possible. A woman of deep Christian faith, Donna was actively involved in her church community and taught children's Sunday school. Her beloved husband cherished her deeply. He spoiled her in every way, ensuring that her every wish was fulfilled. After his passing, Donna found comfort in the presence of dragonflies. To her it always meant her honey was dropping by to say “Hi” and leave a smile on her face. To many, Donna was an angel on earth. Her heart of gold shone brightly, touching the lives of everyone she met, and she will be truly missed. She is preceded by her Husband of 48 years, Bobby Dykes; son, Stephen Holland; parents, Murphy Holland and Ina Ladner; and grandparents, Ernest and Astrid Johnson; and a brother-in-law, Phillip Miller. Left to cherish her memories are her children, Stephen (Melissa Shaffer) Dykes, Mikayla Holland, Baylee Holland, Karen (Eddie) Hillard, Benson Dykes, Scott Dykes, and Craig Dykes; siblings, Linda Miller, Judith Cuevas, Sharon (Robert) Hopkins, Karen Shocker, Carla Jones, Keith (Pat) Holland, Jeannie Brown, Linnea (Kevin) Sweatt; grandchildren, Alyssa Sherrick, Mya Shaffer, Hunter Dykes, Braxton Dykes, Laken Dykes, Tanner Hughes, great grandchildren, Macy, Abel, and Abby Sherrick; God granddaughter, Cammie Ford; nephews, Mick, Wyatt, Stephen, Brandon, Derek, Ray, Loren, Derick, Eric, Randall, and Robby; nieces, Shannon, Terri, Bella, Jessica, Lauren, Avery, Rebecca, Emelee, Ravin, Brittany, Casey, Mandy, Amber, Ashley, Shonda, Jennifer, Linda, Lurleen, and Dorothy; along with her best friend who was like a sister, Andy Legan. A visitation will be held at Trinity Funeral Services on Thursday, July 11, 2024 from 11:00AM - 12;00PM with a funeral service to follow.