Ja'Drean Mandrell Dykes

Obituary For Ja'Drean Mandrell Dykes

Home going celebration for Ja'Drean Mandrell Dykes of Sylacauga, 20, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at New Life Gospel Church. Reverend Samuel Holt is the pastor. Reverend Anthony Dykes will deliver the eulogy. Interment will follow at Antioch Church Cemetery. Mr. Dykes will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the service. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 5, 2022, from 1-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

As the slight summer breeze rustles the leaves, listen closely and you will hear my voice. When the warmth of the day surrounds you, know that my arms are wrapped around you with my love. Little did we know, that late summer evening in July would be my last. I would take my last breathe. My last walk to the store. The last look at my mother’s beautiful face. The final gaze of my younger siblings into my eyes. My last…gone way too soon.

You all know how it all ended for me, but let me share a little about how it all began. Two young kids decided it was time to grow up, so on December 29, 2001, my parents welcomed me into this world at Citizens Baptist Medical Center. I am sure it was hard being a teenager and becoming a parent, but with prayer, love and support from their families they made it work.

While growing up, I began attending New Life Gospel Church under the leadership of Reverend Samuel Holt. I really enjoyed actively participating with my church family. My family made Sylacauga our home so that is where I attended school. Unfortunately, I left Sylacauga High School before graduating, but following my mom’s example of never giving up on her education, I was working on completing my GED and looking at how I would like to further things to improve my life and that of my family. My dad taught me that is what a man does and the importance of being humble. I enjoyed playing basketball, dancing and listening to music.

Tragically on July 29, 2022, the senseless acts of a few brought all of my dreams and aspirations to an abrupt halt. My mom heard the shots from inside our home not knowing that it was me on the receiving end of them. Twenty years is all that God granted me on this earth and it is my hope that I was able to make an impact on someone’s life. My grandfather, Robert Johnson, was waiting to see me again when I reached the other side of time.

I will greatly miss my parents, Kelvin Dykes and Tyeshai Garrett; my three younger siblings, Jakel L. Dykes, Jaida L. Dykes and Jailah L. Dykes; grandparents, Sandy F. Garrett, Sharon E. Dykes and Randell Dykes; two aunts, Tenisha (Fabian) White and Shumarian Williams; one uncle, Calvin Dykes; and a host of great aunts, great uncles, cousins and friends.