Mildred (Schibanoff) Dykes

Mildred "Millie" Schibanoff Dykes passed away on April 30, 2024, in DeLand, Florida, at the age of 83. Millie was born on August 25, 1940, in Freehold, New Jersey. She was a devoted wife to Ron for 46 years, a beloved mother to Julie Diaz (Steve) and Glynis Coleman (Jerry), a cherished grandmother and ""Baba" to Shane Coleman, Parker Neithercut, and Brady Neithercut, and a doting great-grandmother to Nicholas Coleman. She was also an adopted Mom to several special people over the years and a friend to so many who quickly became her family.

Millie is survived by her daughters, her sons-in-law, her grandsons, her sister, Virginia Mierins and brother Harry Schibanoff (Judy), as well as cousins, nieces, and a nephew.

In her career, Millie dedicated herself to education, serving as a 2nd & 3rd grade teacher and later as a legal secretary for her husband's law practice. She also worked as a secretary for the Volusia County School Board until her retirement in 2003.

Millie was a woman of strong faith and had a servant's heart until the very end. She was actively involved in various church communities, including Blake Memorial Baptist Church in Lake Helen, Florida, First Baptist Church in Milledgeville, Georgia, and Ivy Creek Baptist Church in Buford, Georgia.

She was known for her dedication to others, always putting their needs above her own and was happiest when she was feeding people. She loved to cook for and with her family, but also served in multiple church kitchens, ran several successful catering companies (even up into her 70's) and established a Shut In's Ministry at her church preparing monthly meals for elderly members.

Millie's interests extended beyond her career, as she was a lifetime member of Phi Mu Fraternity, valuing her relationships with her sisters and actively engaging in service to both Collegiate and Alumnae chapters. She loved to read, do crossword puzzles, bird watch, and go on adventures with her family.

Millie's legacy of kindness, service, and love will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she was welcomed into the loving arms of her Savior and is reunited with her beloved husband, parents, grandparents, in-laws and so many others that she has missed.

A celebration of Millie's life will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Blake Memorial Baptist Church, 134 N. Euclid Ave., Lake Helen. A reception will follow at her home at 870 Liberty Ct., DeLand.

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