Gladys Ophelia Dykes

Gladys Ophelia Dykes, 88, of Matthews, NC formerly of Panama City, FL went home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 21, 2022 surrounded by her family who loved her dearly at Novant Presbyterian Hospital after suffering a brain bleed.

She was born to Ada and Clarence Crabtree on September 23, 1933 in Noxapater, MS. Surviving her are 2 daughters and one son-in-law, Linda Eller of Gambrills, MD and Kim and Jim Parker of Matthews, NC, 5 granddaughters, one grandson, 6 great granddaughters, and one great great grandson. Also, surviving are 2 brothers, Jim Crabtree and Lavelle Crabtree both of Yazoo City, MS and one sister, Faye Rice of Ridgeland, MS and numerous loved nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents, her beloved husband, Vernon Dykes, 3 sisters, Mildred Edwards, Josie Edwards, and Sarah Wigley and 3 brothers, Edward Crabtree, O’Neil Crabtree, and Andrew Crabtree.

Coming from a farming family, Gladys worked in the cotton fields and sewing at a garment factory in her early years. After becoming a Navy wife to Vernon on August 1, 1959, she left MS to move to many states and Cuba making many life long friends especially in Panama City, FL where they lived for 30 years. She served in many positions at Northside Baptist Church in Panama City and loved caring for the babies the most for many years. After moving to NC in 2006, she became a member of First Baptist Church of Matthews and enjoyed the blessings of her church family there.

Her love for her family was only exceeded by her love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a faithful prayer warrior. She set a wonderful example as a dedicated homemaker who enjoyed cooking, sewing and family time together. She was always happy to share her home with family to vacation and enjoy the beautiful white sands of Florida beaches. She liked to live a simple life and was loved by all who knew her for her caring heart, generosity, and sweet personality. She was not happy with dementia creeping into her mind and stealing her memory during the last few years. But she was blessed to be able to remember the important things and her family and friends. And her loved ones were blessed by her love and presence for almost 89 years.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Matthews, 185 S Trade St., Matthews, NC 28105 or Novant Health Hospice, P.O. Box 33549, Charlotte, NC 28233.