Nancy Dooknie

Nancy Dooknie, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, musician, and servant of Jesus Christ, entered the presence of her Lord after a life marked by faith, music, service, and love.

Nancy Sarathy was born on August 26, 1934, in Bombay, India, to Mr. and Mrs. R. Sarathy. She was the third of four children and was raised in a loving Christian home. From a young age, she placed her faith in Jesus Christ, a commitment that shaped the course of her life.

Musically talented, Nancy, at age nine, was gifted with a piano by her father. She went on to master several instruments, including the piano, organ, accordion, harmonium, and steelpan. Her musical talents were dedicated to the service of God through church ministry, worship, choirs, and evangelism. She also possessed a beautiful operatic singing voice and counted among her cherished memories the opportunity to sing with her sister, Betsy, at a Billy Graham Crusade in Bombay.

While serving at First Baptist Church in Colaba, Bombay, Nancy met Ramdehal Dooknie, a missionary from Trinidad who had come to India in 1956. He was smitten at first sight as she gracefully played the piano. They were married in 1958 and shared a lifelong partnership in ministry. Three girls were born in Bombay, India before making their journey to Trinidad.

In 1963, Nancy made the courageous journey from India to Trinidad with her three young daughters to join her husband as they established their family and ministry. She embraced life in a new country. Her fourth daughter was born in Trinidad in August, 1965.

Throughout the years, Nancy taught Sunday School, directed choirs, led Bible clubs, spoke at women’s retreats, and ministered through music in countless churches. She played a vital role alongside her husband in pioneering ministry among the East Indian population of Trinidad. Through their faithful service, churches were established and lives were impacted for generations.

In 1991, Nancy and Ramdehal settled in Marietta, Georgia, where they continued serving at First India Baptist Church in Decatur. Following the passing of her beloved husband in 2003, Nancy remained a source of encouragement, wisdom, and faith to her family and community.

In her final years, while residing in a memory care facility in Marietta, Nancy continued to bless those around her through songs, prayers, and words of encouragement. She was affectionately known as “Mama Darling,” a reflection of the love she so freely shared with others.

Nancy is survived by her daughters Rachael and Stephyn, Ruth and Mitra, Beckie and Chris, and Rhoda and Norris; her grandchildren Tiffany and Todd, Christie and Stephen, Travis and Jaclyn, Javed and Isabelle, Jon, Wesley, Jordan and Stephanie, Myles, and Jaden; her great-grandchildren Corey, Conner, Penelope, Charlotte, Aria, Emerson, Camryn, and Naomi; her brother David; and many nieces and nephews in England.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Ramdehal Dooknie.

Nancy’s life was a beautiful testimony to God’s faithfulness. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her love for music, her dedication to ministry, and the joy and kindness she shared with all who knew her.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23