Sarah Jean Nicks Poythress

Sarah Jean Nicks Poythress, 82, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A native of Alamance County, she was the daughter of the late Adolphus Glen Nicks and Pauline Sarah Troxler Nicks and was married for over 16 years to the late Shelton Wells Poythress, who passed in 2018.

With a radiant personality, notably prissy yet infused with a contagious sense of humor, she was affectionately known to many as “Red.” Her laughter and warmth brought joy to everyone around her. Sarah spent her professional years diligently serving as Secretary/Treasurer for Custom Enterprises, where her commitment and dedication were evident.

In her leisure moments, Sarah found joy in her many passions. She loved to tend to her garden, cultivating exquisite roses that mirrored her vibrant spirit. She was an exceptional cook, creating meals that were as comforting as they were delicious. She also enjoyed traveling and spending time at the beach. But her proudest accomplishment was certainly her family.

Sarah is survived by her beloved children, Susan Kelly Hussey (Michael), Brian Jackson Kelly (Kristin), Dr. Kassell Eugene Sykes (Lisa), and Joseph Samuel Sykes (Janie). Grandchildren, Sarah Simons (Alicia), Molly Lassiter (Justin), Zachary Kelly (Marian), Charlotte Kelly, Mary Grace Kelly, Lily Sykes, Nora Sykes, Seth Sykes, and Amaris Sykes, great-grandchildren, Lincoln Simons and Wren Lassiter.

In addition to her immediate family, Sarah leaves behind her brother, Joseph Glen Nicks, and sister-in-law, Rebecca Nicks. She was preceded in death by her husband, Shelton Wells Poythress, her parents, Adolphus Glen Nicks and Pauline Sarah Troxler Nicks and her brother, Daniel Allen Nicks.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Blakey Hall especially Ann Wooten, Blake, Linda and Monica as well as the nurses and staff at Authoracare Hospice.

A funeral to celebrate Sarah’s life will be held at 4:00 on Sunday, July 13, 2025 in the chapel at Lowe Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 3:45 prior to the service at the funeral home. There will be a private graveside service at Alamance Memorial Park at a later date.