"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 anymore pain, for the former things are passed away." Rev. 21:14

Mrs. Azar (Azzie) Dykes was born on August 15, 1945 to the late James and Inether Handy in Bogalusa, La.  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.

Azzies'  passion was caring for others.  She spent most of life  working in the health care industry.   Something that brought her great joy until October,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, LA, her four loving children; Jerry (Tiffany) Handy, Nita Faye Brown, Jennifer Warren all of Franklinton, La and Rose Dykes Hunt of Bogalusa, LA; four grandchildren, Jerica Graves of Denham Springs, LA, Robert Wilson and La Porscha Wilson of Franklinton LA, Dsha Rankins of Mt. Hermon La, three great grandchildren; Kemari (KeKe) Weary, Darnell (D.J.) Brock and A'Nivea (Nivi) Brock all of Franklinton, LA.

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

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 son-in-laws; Darrett Warren and Timothy Hunt; two nephews, 2 nieces ,one brother-in-law and 6 sister-in- laws.

She will be missed by many family members and friends.