Joyce Jo Dykes

Joyce Jo Ward Dykes, 76, Kingsport, was called home to be with the Lord at 11:10 am Sunday, April 15th, surrounded by her family. Jo was born in Kingsport, where she had lived her entire life. She was a co-founder and charter member of Sunrise Baptist Church. Jo was one of the co-founders of the Ladies Auxiliary of Sunrise Baptist Church and was considered mother of the church for the past 41 years. She was a loving wife for more than 57 years as well as a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and was loved by all who knew her.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Maggie Ward; sisters, Nellie, Sally, Vee, Myrtle and Annie; and brothers, Fred, Howard and Clyde.

She is survived by her husband, Pastor Kelly Dykes of the home; three children, Kay Cain and husband, Ray, Tim Dykes and wife Glenda, and Becky Gilliam, all of Kingsport; five grandchildren, Wendy Doran and husband, Freddie, Ashley Gilliam, Abby Gilliam, Hannah Lawson and Luke Lawson; two great-grandchildren, Tanner and Bailee Doran; brother, Robert Ward of Kingsport, TN; several nieces and nephews; and special life-long friend, Carolyn Carter.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 17th, from 5-8:00 pm at Sunrise Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 18th at 1:00 pm at Sunrise Baptist Church with Brother Robert Steadman and Brother Danny Dolen officiating. Burial will follow the funeral service at Oak Hill Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Stacy Lawson, Bob Winegar, Jonathan Paige, Shawn Faxon, Sam Fanning and Austin Boggs.

A special thanks to the Mountain State Health Alliance Hospice and Dr. Ronald Hunter and staff.