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BORN
1930
DIED
2025
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Marleen Sykes Obituary
January 19, 1930 - November 2, 2025
DECATUR – Marleen K. "Molly" Sykes, 95, of Decatur, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, November 8, 2025, at St. James Catholic Church, Decatur, Ill. Interment will follow in the Harristown Cemetery, Harristown, Ill. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to St. James and St. Patrick Catholic Church or Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois Charitable Fund. Calvert & Wikoff Funeral Home, Mt. Zion, is assisting the family with services. Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at Calvertmemorial.com.
Molly was born January 19, 1930, in Hart, MI, the daughter of Jack and Alberta Simon. She married Jarratt Sykes on June 10, 1955, in Peoria, Ill. He preceded her in death on April 5, 1999. They lived in Decatur for many decades. Molly was a member of St. James Catholic Parish in Decatur. She worked for many years as a teacher and principal at St. James School, and later as a rectory office assistant. She loved her profession, family, traveling, and gathering with friends and extended family.
Molly is survived by her three sons, Jeffrey Sykes (Brenda), Randy Sykes (Sally), and Scott Sykes; grandchildren, Matt Sykes (Jenny), Tim Sykes, Courtney McSherry (Ryan), Adam Sykes (Taylor), Natalie Corley (Chad), Lindsey Smith (Dan), and Kim Harvey. Eleven great-grandchildren also survive.
Molly was preceded in death by her husband; parents; two sisters; infant son, Joseph; and an infant great-grandson, Oscar.
Memories and Condolences
for Marleen Sykes
Sponsored by Calvert & Wikoff Funeral Home - Mt. Zion.
2 Entries
November 21, 2025
To Jeff, Randy, Scott and family, word of my dear friend Molly´s death has reached me in St. Louis where I am presently living. So many wonderful memories of our time together at St. James. My sympathy to you and your family whom I came to know through Molly. You were so special to her. I mourn her loss and thank God for all of the special times that we shared.
Sister Glenda Bourgeois, OSU
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Sharon schneider
November 8, 2025
Molly was a wonderful friend and we had many good times together. She will be sorely missed. Much sympathy to her family, as she was so proud of them. RIP Molly. Loved you dearly.
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Calvert & Wikoff Funeral Home - Mt. Zion105 West Main Street, Mount Zion, IL 62549
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