Funeral services for Ms. Judy Mae Dykes, 74, of 1090 College Avenue, Orangeburg, will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday, July 11, 2022, at Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel, with interment to follow at the St. James Church of God Cemetery.

Ms. Judy Mae Dykes was born on July 8, 1947 in Orangeburg, South Carolina to the late Eddie and Hattie Dykes. She entered into eternal rest on July 3, 2022.

Judy was educated in the public schools of Orangeburg County and was a 1967 graduate of Wilkinson High School. After graduating from high school, Judy briefly moved to New York before returning to Orangeburg, South Carolina. It was then that she began taking care of children, where she seemed to thrive. Judy had a big heart and loved caring for children. She was entrusted with the care of hundreds of children during her lifetime.

Judy was known for having a loving, kind spirit. Although she suffered from Sickle Cell Anemia, she prided herself on helping others despite her own pain. Doctors once proclaimed she would never grow old; however, with God’s grace and mercy, she lived 75 beautiful years.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Juanita Dykes; and four brothers: Eddie Dykes, Harry Dykes, Elijah Dykes and Leroy Dykes.

Left to cherish her memory are two reared children: Justin Marshall and Ciarra O. Dykes Copeland; two sisters: Blondell Wilkes of Orangeburg, South Carolina and Dorothy (Robert) Cook of New York; two sisters-n-law: Eva Dykes of Orangeburg, South Carolina and Gwendolyn Dykes of North Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 10, 2022, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Family and friends visit the residence of her sister, Ms. Blondell Wilkes, 1090 College Avenue, Orangeburg, or Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory of Orangeburg.

Please adhere to all COVID-19 precautions and wear your mask.

Online condolences may be sent to www.simmonsfuneralhome.com