Dr. Mary Katherine "Kay" Dykes Obituary (1943 - 2023)

Dr. Mary (Kay) Katherine Sorden Dykes, age seventy-nine, of Gainesville, FL, passed away Tuesday morning, April 25, 2023. Dr. Dykes was born September 27, 1943, in Austin, TX to Ray Sorden and Ima Wilson Sorden. Mary Kay was preceded in death by her brother Raymond. Mary Kay attended the University of Texas in Austin for her BS in Orthopedics and Education and a Ph.D. in Special Education. She began her teaching career working with children with physical and sensory disabilities at the UnitedCerebral Palsy Center in Austin, and then taught for several years in Jefferson County Colorado before moving to Florida. In 1972, she began her career as a professional educator and a Professor of Special Education at the University of Florida. During her time at UF, she taught courses, conducted research, and mentored more than fifty doctoral students. She authored several texts and designed a comprehensive assessment & intervention system for students with significant disabilities. She published numerous texts, chapters, and articles in referred journals. Dr. Dykes authored numerous grants, conducted workshops, and was awarded Teacher of the Year for the University of Florida College of Education 2004- 2005. She was named 1 of 10 most influential Americans in the education of students with physical disabilities in the history of the International Council for Exceptional Children. Following her retirement from the University of Florida, she served as the Executive Director for Exceptional, Advanced, and Innovative Curriculum for the School Board of Alachua County.Mary Kay loved Longhorn and Gator sports, travel, gardening, her work, faith, and family. She is survived by her loving children Nathan Dykes and Leah Lemmon, and her grandchildren Ashley, Jennifer, and Jason Lemmon.A viewing will be held at Milam Funeral and Cremation Services, 311 S. Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601, on Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Nathan Dykes and Leah Lemmon invite family and friends to join them in saying goodbye.In lieu of flowers, and in support of Dr. Dykes' lifelong dedication to the education of children, the family asks that contributions be made as memorial gifts to the University of Florida Special Education Support Fund (ID#003259). https://www.uff.ufl.edu/giving-op- portunities/003259-special-education-support-fund/