Mildred Ethelyn Sykes McClenny of Zuni, Va. Entered into eternal rest on Friday, January 24th, 2020 in Cary, North Carolina.
She was 97 years old. She was born June 2, 1922 to Johnnie Sykes and Mattie Mayfield Sykes in Newsomes, VA.
She accepted Christ at an early age and joined Shiloh Baptist Church in Newsoms VA.
She married her high school sweetheart G.P. McClenny. As a result of this union, 5 children were born.
Mildred was a long time member of Gilfield Baptist Church where she served as deaconess, choir member, missionary and leader of the children’s choir. She was a member of the Eastern Star, the Southampton County Historical Society, the National Educators Association and a 4-H club leader.
During her life she graduated from Mayfield Elementary School, Hayden High School and Old Dominion University. She had a career as school librarian at Ivor Elementary. She was also well known as a master seamstress. As a result of her research with The Southampton County Historical Society on one and two-room schools, she co-authored Still Sits the Little School-house.
Mildred was preceded in death by Parents Johnnie Wise Sykes and Mattie Mayfield Sykes; siblings Ellen S. Hooks, Evelyn S. Walker, Emmitt Sykes, Emma S. Davis, Johnnie Sykes, Eunice S. Ridgill, Leland Sykes, Melba S. Carmichael, Ruth S. Camp; daughter, Mildred Patricia; son, Meade Raymond (Eva, both deceased), Son-in-law Hezekiah Wright; and 2 grandchildren.
She leaves to mourn and cherish her memory, a loving and devoted family. One daughter, Ruth Lorraine M. Wright, of North Carolina, two sons; Gordon Eugene McClenny of Zuni, Va. and Brian Clayton McClenny (Annette) of North Carolina and eight grandchildren, 12 great-grand children, three sisters in law; Portia McClenny of Wakefield, Va. Mildred McClenny of Chester, Va. Marion Sykes of Newsoms, Va. and a host of other beloved nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
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