Elma E."Bobbie" Dykes

It is with deep sorrow that we announce Bobbie's passing, but with great joy that she chose to share her life with us. Her life was not uneventful. Born on a farm in Ashford, Alabama, the youngest of 10 children. While in her teens, she and an older sister Margery (the only sibling still alive) moved Auburndale, Florida. Some time after high school graduation she enlisted in the United states Air Force, proudly serving her tour of duty during the Korean Conflict, assigned to Communications at the Pentagon. She received her Baccalaureate Degree in nursing from Florida State University…Masters from New York University. As fate would have it, she returned to Florida and the University in Gainesville to teach Nursing… for almost 30 years, She was officially a Professor of Psychiatric Nursing. Bobbie LOVED her chosen career. She LOVED the University. She often said she is not a Gator Fan, she IS a Gator! Her penchant for fishing brought her to Astor, a little village on the St. Johns River. Almost every day that weather would permit, you would find her in her sixteen foot skiff just pulling them in, paying little attention to steady stare of alligators. Being aware of impending old age, and the hazards of living alone, it was decided to pool both economic and spiritual resources with a life-long friend Esther (Son) Garrido in Sarasota. Without hesitation, her friends' family, the Waldings' "ADOPTED " her. (Instantly she was given the cherished title of Grandma!) Once again, she is a member of a large family. Cindy(Son) Walding, and husband Larry, their children and grand children. Heather(son Kaleb) Kristen, Kelly, Ellis and Becky(daughters Rose and Lily) Michael and Penny(daughters Hayley and Hera) She will be sorely missed by a wide circle of friends , both in academia and otherwise. To know her was to love her. Here is a lovely tribute written by granddaughter Heather: "As you grow up, you learn that death is a part of life. No matter how prepared you think you are - it doesn't hurt any less - and it never stops hurting. One of the most amazing, smart, strong. beautiful women I have ever met left this earth today. She may not be here with us physically anymore but I know she is up there smiling down on us. I am so proud to call you Grandmother, Kalebs‘ great Grandmother - and now our beautiful Guardian Angel. We love you. Joint graveside services will be held at the Sarasota Memorial Cemetery after the demise of her friend.

Tributes

Elma E."Bobbie" Dykes

May 30, 1928 - November 29, 2016