Rosetta S. Sykes

Mrs. Rosetta S. Sykes, affectionately known as "Mother Sykes," peacefully transitioned from earthly life to eternal life on Monday, March 9, 2009, at 3 a.m. at Southside Regional Medical Center in Petersburg, Va.

She was born July 22, 1913, in Southampton County, Va., to the late Ruben and Mason Smith. During her early childhood and teen years, she attended the public schools in Southampton County, Va.

Mother Sykes was an ardent member of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Drewryville, Va., where she served in the following ministries: Ushers, Missions and food services. She was also a member of the Sunday school and Bible study. As a result of Mother Sykes' dedication to her local church and love for the Lord, she was duly voted by the members of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church as the "Mother of the Church" under the pastorate of the Rev. William Dentson.

Her service in the community exemplified by the numerous lives that she touched through her work as babysitter, housekeeper and caregiver. Numerous persons adopted her as mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and riding companion. She held membership in the Shiloh Association and several other organizations.

She was predeceased by her husband, Jasper Sykes Sr., and three sons, John Sykes, Rudolph Sykes and Jasper Sykes Jr., and all of her siblings.

Mother Sykes leaves to cherish her memories, three sons, James Sykes (Margaret) of Norfolk, Va., Melvin Sykes of Franklin, Va., and Floyd Sykes (Filomena) of Mays Landing, N.J.; two daughters, the Rev. Dr. Rosa Wynn (Joe) of Chester, Va., and Delores Carr of Atlanta; 31 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; two daughters-in-law, Edris Sykes of Roselle, N.J., and Gloria Sykes of Richmond, Va.; a sister-in-law, Marie Sykes of Capron, Va.; a host of nieces, nephews, one devoted nephew, Robert Peete, cousins, two devoted cousins, Vasti Peoples and Shelton Smith, and friends, a devoted friend, Elizabeth Tennessee.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2009, at Greensville Elementary School, 1101 Sussex Drive, Emporia, Va.; the Rev. James Brown officiating. Interment to follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Drewryville, Va.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2009, at the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va.

The family will assemble at 1:30 p.m. at Greensville Elementary School, 1101 Sussex Drive, Emporia, Va., the day of services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Rosetta Sykes' Fund, c/o Rev. Dr. Rosa Wynn, P.O. Box 3615, Chester, VA 23831.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mother Sykes online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.