Ozella Sykes
July 20, 1916 — March 18, 2017
Ozella Sykes, age 100, of Paris, TN, died Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Town Square Care of Puryear, TN.
Ozella was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She sang in the church choir for many years, and was a member of the United Methodist Women’s Club. Her husband, Rev. Bonnie Sykes, was a Methodist pastor, and, after his death, she remained active in her ministry with the Memphis Conference of the United Methodist Church. She was an excellent seamstress, loved to play dominos, and formerly drove the bus for Easter Seals.
She was born July 20, 1916, in Springville, TN, to the late Charley Fletcher Hopkins and the late Martha Olive “Ollie” Wimberly Hopkins.
She was married November 4, 1939, to Rev. Bonnie M. Sykes, who preceded her in death on June 6, 1972.
She is survived by two daughters, Vita Dalton of Murray, KY, and Donna Holloway of Starkville, MS; one son, Phillip (Gayle) Sykes of Loganville, GA; two daughters-in-law, Wanda Sykes of Paris, TN, and Diana Sykes, of Iraan, TX; 11 grandchildren, Tim Sykes, Jeff (Susan) Berry, Tommy Sykes, Patina (Dave) Crowder, Kelly (David) Crippen, Tammy (Travis) Aldridge, Brian (Tina) Holloway, Kristy (Mark) Davis, Kayla (Will) Beaty, Lee Sykes, and Christopher Sykes; and several great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by two sons, Lane Sykes and Hal Sykes; one son-in-law, Arlie Holloway; two sisters, Verna May Owens, and Lowell Mixon; one brother, Paul Hopkins; one grandson, Steven Sykes; one granddaughter-in-law, Debbie Sykes; one great-grandson, Chas Sykes; and two great-granddaughters, Morgan Sykes and Hannah Sykes.
Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St, Paris, TN. Visitation will be Monday, March 20, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church. The funeral service will be Monday, March 20, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, with Mike Wimberley and Paul McAdoo officiating.
Burial will follow in Antioch Cemetery in Springville, TN.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be made to: The Nelle Robertson Sunday School Class, c/o Trinity United Methodist Church, 409 South Wilson Street, Paris, TN 38242.