Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Marian Dollar Sykes Johnson, 77, of Bainbridge, Ga., gloriously went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, after a brief illness on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, lovingly surrounded by her children.

Marian Merlyn Dollar was born March 7, 1944, in Cradock, Va., to William and Myrna Whiddon Dollar. She grew up in the South Georgia area and was a graduate of Bainbridge High School, Class of 1962. She married her high school sweetheart, Steve Sykes, Sr., in 1962. They were married for 31 years and raised their family in Bainbridge, Ga., and Lakeland, Fla. She later was married to Rev. Robert Johnson for 16 years.

Marian was a very kind, loving, joyful and fun person with a constant positive attitude. She had the gift of encouragement and was an amazing storyteller and a joy to be around. Her greatest joys in life were her love for God, love for her family and love for praying for and ministering to others. She was so proud of all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and spoke of them often. As a grandmother, “Granny” was the best!

Marian loved and served the Lord with all her heart and was a fervent prayer warrior, constantly praying for her family, friends and pretty much everyone she knew or met, even the nurses and doctors who were tending to her in the hospital her last days, as well as other patients. As an ordained minister of the Gospel, she enjoyed speaking and ministering for numerous women’s retreats and conferences around the country in addition to mentoring individuals. Also, she traveled to thirteen other countries on various mission trips to share the love of Jesus. Her life verse was Matthew 6:33, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you.”

Marian’s life story is a beautiful legacy of encouragement, love, grace, and honor. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends, but we rejoice and celebrate with her that she has graduated to her heavenly home and picture her dancing with the angels and worshipping her Lord and Savior.

Marian is survived by her children Steve and Tracy Sykes of Thomasville, David and Suzanne Sykes of Lawrenceville, and Debra S. Adams of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.; her grandchildren and great grandchildren, Angela and Sean Kennedy, Courtney and Stephen Stubley (Emma Jane), Natalie Stephens, Alyson and Amos Sparks (Stella), Stephen Sykes, Blake and Ashley Midler (Maggie & Genevieve), Alex Midler and Alyssa (Ezra), and Austin Sykes; her siblings, Penny and Johnny Reynolds of Bainbridge, Melba and Joe Adams of Colquitt, Bill Dollar and Jenny Enfinger of Donalsonville; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews. Marian was preceded in death by her husbands, Steve Sykes, Sr. and Robert P. Johnson, her sister, Clara Yancey, and brother-in-law, Stanley Yancey.

Her homegoing celebration was held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 21, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Barry Nichols of Lakeland, Fla., officiating. Interment followed at West Bainbridge Cemetery with her grandchildren serving as active pallbearers.

The family received friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to: Friends Ministries, P.O. Box 513, Bainbridge, GA  39818.

Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)