Shirley Polk Sykes went to her heavenly home on October 15, 2022.  She was 87 years, 11 months, and 3 days old. On November 12, 1934 she was born. Her parents were Robert Polk and Mary Vinson Polk. She had one brother, Bobby, who died as an infant. But 17 years later, she would have a sister, Elizabeth. Ms. Shirley married when she was only 14 to Charles Sykes. They had one child, a daughter, Sybil. Ms. Shirley was married to Charles for 34 years, when he died with cancer. Ms. Shirley worked at Edward Hyman Company and New Hebron Manufacturing Company for 42 years, as a seamstress. In 1993, she married Ralph Sykes. They were married 13 years, when he died. For over 15 years, she has had dementia. The last 2 years, it has been advanced dementia. But as long as she could, she read her Bible, said the Lord's Prayer, and other prayers every night. When she couldn't read, Sybil read to her. Paula, Gracie, and Sybil were her main caregivers and other family members helped too. Forest General Hospice also helped with her care.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Magee.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at 12:00 P.M. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Magee.  Burial will follow in Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Mt. Olive. Bro. Trent Sullivan will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Magee is in charge of arrangements. 601-849-5031.

Survivors include her daughter, Sybil  Sykes  Butler;  two grandsons, Alan  Butler  (Christie) and Jimmy  Butler  (Chasity); great- granddaughters, Brecca  Butler  Brown  (Hunter), Gracie  Butler and Paula Templeton; great-great grandson Laine Brown,  sister, Elizabeth  Reid  (Charles);  three nieces, three nephews,  and many other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be Britt Magee, Jimmy Butler, Alan Butler, Glen Higdon, Ashley Reid, and David Brown.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com