Sylvia Dykes Obituary

JOHNSON CITY - Sylvia Janine Dykes, 62, of Johnson City, TN, passed away Monday, February 5, 2024, at Vanderbilt Medical Center after a lengthy illness. Born in 1961, she was the daughter of the late JC Dykes and Jean Kearney Dykes. She was a member of First Christian Church.

Janine excelled at academics and was an alumna of Milligan College, East Tennessee State University and Middle Tennessee State University. She was a retired educator having taught in Metro Nashville, Kingsport City, and Washington County School Districts. During her tenure she served in several capacities: that as a classroom teacher, guidance counselor and graduation coach. Janine had a passion for helping troubled youth and created several intervention programs to aid with their development and achievement. In addition, she was a well-known lover of animals, saving, adopting, and caring for scores of wayward felines.

She is survived by her loving husband Dave Tilson of the home; stepdaughters, Amanda Taylor and husband Jared, and Stacy Taylor; brother, Ronald Dykes, and wife Peggy; sister, Susan Dykes Tunstall and her uncle, Carl Kearney, Jr., and wife Mary; step grandchildren, Caleb and Julie Taylor, Andrew and Aiden Taylor; and especially her six fur baby cats.

Per Janine's wishes a private interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Washington County-Johnson City Animal shelter or Appalachian Highlands Humane Society.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, TN 37604, is honored to serve the Tilson family. (423) 610-7171.