Dorothy "Dot" Ann Sikes, age 84, of Callahan, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Aug. 13, 2025.
She was born on Dec. 22, 1940, in Apopka, Florida, to the late Buford Carter and Shirley Cheek Carter. Dot devoted nearly four decades of her life to the Nassau County School District as a school bus driver. For 39 years, she safely transported generations of students with care and commitment. During that time, Dot also serviced others by working for the Nassau County Council on Aging's Transportation Department. Her tireless work ethic and devotion to helping others left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
A woman deeply rooted in her faith, Dot was passionate about sharing the Word of God. Dot loved her Lord and Savior and found great joy in telling others about Jesus. Her spiritual home was at "The Gatherings," where she worshipped under the guidance of Dr. Wayne Higginbotham. Her unwavering belief and joyful testimony were central to her life and touched many hearts. Dot also found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. She had a deep love for flowers and took pride in her yard work. Whether fishing by the water's edge or camping under the stars, she embraced nature with enthusiasm. Her hands were rarely idle and she was known as a hard worker who gave her all in everything she did.
Above all else, Dot cherished her family. Her love for them was evident in every aspect of her life and will remain a guiding light for those who knew her. Dot lived a life marked by dedication, faith, and love for both her family and community. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
Dot was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 55 years, Barney E. Sikes; and grandson, Shawn Thompson.
Dot leaves behind her loving daughters, Lynn Racin, Lisa (Jimmy) Carroll, Lori (David) McKendree, and Lauri (Wayne) Higginbotham; brother, Wayne "Shorty" Carter; sister, Kitty Mercer; grandchildren, Beth Youmans, Rachel (Robert) White, Kaylee Higginbotham, Joshua (Sarah) Higginbotham, Christopher (Lindsay) McKendree, and Levi McKendree; great grandchildren, Bailee (Curtis) Sipe, Nathan Youmans, Railee White, Hunter Higginbotham, Ellie Higginbotham, Crew McKendree, and Lyla McKendree; and one great-great-grandchild, Brailee Sipe.
Pallbearers will be Mike Mercer, Marty Mercer, Joshua Higginbotham, Christopher McKendree, Levi McKendree, and Nathan Youmans.
A celebration of Dot's life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, at 11 a.m. at River Road Baptist Church with Dr. Wayne Higginbotham officiating. Interment will follow in River Road Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. The arrangements are under the care and direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 U.S. 1, Callahan, FL 32011, 904-879-1770. Visit
www.nassaufh.com to sign the family's guest book.
Published by Nassau County Record on Aug. 20, 2025.