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“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away.” (Rev. 21:14).

Mrs. Azar “Azzie” Dykes was born on Aug. 15, 1945, to the late James and Inether Handy in Bogalusa. She departed her earthly life on Saturday, April 4, 2020, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was a faithful member of Water Valley Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Bishop Howard E. Quillen Jr. She served as president of Home and Foreign Mission.

Azzie’s passion was caring for others. She spent most of life working in the health care industry. It was something that brought her great joy until October of 2019, when her health began to fail.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her husband of 56 years, John “J.L.” Dykes of Franklinton; her four loving children, Jerry (Tiffany) Handy, Nita Faye Brown and Jennifer Warren, all of Franklinton, and Rose Dykes Hunt of Bogalusa; four grandchildren, Jerica Graves of Denham Springs, Robert Wilson and La Porscha Wilson of Franklinton, and Dsha Rankins of Mt. Hermon; and three great grandchildren, Kemari “KeKe” Weary, Darnell “D.J.” Brock and A’Nivea “Nivi” Brock, all of Franklinton.

She is also survived by eight siblings, Verlean (John R) Bickham, Shirley (Rodney) Ratliff, Glen (Jessie) Handy, James (Michelle) Handy and Charles (Sandra) Handy, all of Franklinton, Mary Handy of Bogalusa, and I.V. (JoAnn) Handy and Doris Handy, all of New Orleans; sister-in-law, Emma Taylor of Franklinton; three special nieces whom she called her girls, Deborah Bickham, Tanya Gary, and Sylvania Hunter; and special friends, Mrs. JoAnn Wilson, Mrs. Emma Jean Magee of Franklinton, and Mrs. Peggy Brown of Brandon, Miss.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Inether Handy; a brother, Elijah Handy; two sisters, Rose Lean Handy and Marilyn Handy; two sons-in-law, Darrett Warren and Timothy Hunt; two nephews; two nieces; one brother-in-law; and six sisters-in-law.

She will be missed by many family members and friends.