Beloved School Bus Driver Dorothy Dot Sikes Passes Away at 84

Beloved School Bus Driver Dorothy Dot Sikes Passes Away at 84

In a heartfelt tribute to community and service, we remember Dorothy „Dot“ Ann Sikes, who passed away on August 13, 2025, at the age of 84. Born in Apopka, Florida, on December 22, 1940, Dot’s life was marked by a robust commitment to her family, her faith, and the many students she transported as a school bus driver for nearly four decades in the Nassau County School District. Her dedication did not stop there; she also served in the Council on Aging’s Transportation Department, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to helping others.

Dot was predeceased by her parents Buford and Shirley Cheek Carter, her husband Barney E. Sikes, and her beloved grandson Shawn Thompson. Her surviving family includes her daughters Lynn Racin, Lisa Carroll, Lori McKendree, and Lauri Higginbotham, alongside siblings Wayne “Shorty” Carter and Kitty Mercer. She leaves behind a legacy of love, cherished by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

A Life to Celebrate

Dot’s faith was central to her life; she found joy and purpose in sharing the word of God. A devoted member of „The Gatherings“ and guided by Dr. Wayne Higginbotham, her church community played an essential role in her life. Whether she was caring for her flowers, fishing, or camping, Dot embraced the beauty of nature and the joy of life’s simple pleasures.

A celebration of Dot’s life is planned for August 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at River Road Baptist Church, also officiated by Dr. Higginbotham. Visitors are welcome to pay their respects before the service, starting at 10:00 AM. The interment will follow at the church cemetery, allowing for a poignant farewell to a woman who contributed so much to her community.

Remembering and Honoring a Treasure

• Pallbearers selected for this meaningful occasion include Mike and Marty Mercer, Joshua and Christopher McKendree, along with Levi McKendree and Nathan Youmans.

In these moments of loss, we also recognize the connections we share through music and community. Speaking of music, let’s take a brief detour to the world of rock, where the band Dorothy has been making waves since their formation in 2013. Dorothy Martin, the lead singer, met producers Mark Jackson and Ian Scott thanks to a family connection and quickly impressed them with her dynamic voice.

The band’s debut single, „After Midnight,“ released in 2014, showcased their blend of powerful vocals and heavy riffs, capturing attention from notable platforms like Huffington Post, which named it their number one song. In the years following, Dorothy released hits like „Wicked Ones,“ which found a prominent place in advertising and media, including Gatorade and WWE’s theme music.

As they continued to tour and release music, the band achieved recognition from Rolling Stone and has graced the soundtracks of films, spreading their reach beyond typical rock audiences. From their self-titled EP to their latest offerings, they exemplify creativity and resilience in the music industry.

In these familiar stories of life, whether in the heart of a devoted bus driver or the electrifying energy of a rock band, there lies a shared reflection of community — reminding us that every moment and every note matters. While we mourn the loss of Dot, we celebrate her remarkable life and the legacies left behind, each note harmonizing in the symphony of our shared experiences.

Dot will be sorely missed, yet her spirit will continue to resonate through those lives she touched—much like the notes of a memorable song linger in the hearts of its listeners.