Jefferson Sykes

Jefferson Vick Sykes CHESAPEAKE - Dr. Jefferson Vick Sykes, born March 6, 1926, died Dec. 4, 2009. The 83-year-old was predeceased by his parents, Amelia Vick and Arie Sykes of North Carolina. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Patricia Duckworth Sykes; his son, Jeffrey Lee Sykes of Virginia Beach; his daughter and son-in-law, Martha and Nick Diorio; grandchildren, Tony and Nicole Diorio of Chesapeake; his sisters, Mildred Williams and Peggy Wood; and his brothers, Arie and Wilton Sykes, all of North Carolina. Vick graduated from Appalachian State Teacher's College in Boone, N.C., in 1950. He received his M.S. and CES degrees from The College of William and Mary and his Ph.D. from Nova University. He served as a hospital corpsman in World War II and the Korean conflict. He began his career as an educator at Port Norfolk Elementary School in Portsmouth where he taught seventh grade. Later, he served as a teacher at Harry Hunt Junior High and as an assistant administrator. He served as principal at Emily Spong, Robert E. Lee, and Hodges Manor Elementary Schools and Harry Hunt Junior High in Portsmouth. He retired as director of Elementary Education for the Portsmouth public school system in 1988. He was a charter member of Green Acres Presbyterian Church where he was an ordained elder, Sunday school teacher, and very active member of several church organizations. He was an avid fisherman, gardener and bridge player. He was well known and loved in the community and was always lending a hand to those in need. He will be greatly missed by family, friends, and all the hearts and lives he has touched through the years. There will be a celebration of his life at Green Acres Presbyterian Church Dec. 10. at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Green Acres Presbyterian Church, Witness Committee, 3135 Hanley Ave., Portsmouth, VA 23703.