Grace M. Sykes, 93

Grace M. Sykes, 93, of Lakeland, died Thursday, December 1, 2022. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Nick, Gary (Bettye), Scott, Randy (Linda), Victor (Theresa), and Susan (Terry) Reneau. Known as “Meme” to her 23 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren, she is remembered for her faith in Christ and love for her family and community.

Her early professional pursuits began as an assistant to the Associate Editor of the Lakeland Ledger, which was the catalyst to meeting her eventual husband, Virgil. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother—she dedicated more than fifty years to teaching Sunday School to generations of Lakeland’s youth. In the early nineteen eighties, she also volunteered as a teacher’s aide at Kathleen Elementary.

She enjoyed outdoor activities such as boating, horseback riding and working in her yard. In her mid-thirties, she twice completed a 3-day, 100-mile horseback ride event, and she placed in several other horseback competitions.

Condolences may be sent to the family at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes.