Obituary for Roxie Sykes Roxie Griffin Sykes, of Thibodaux, Louisiana, died on June 26, 2018, at The Claiborne in Thibodaux. Mrs. Sykes was born on February 7, 1929, in Cleveland, Mississippi, to Nancy Pepper Griffin and Richard Evans “R.E.” Griffin. She attended Cleveland High School and was a top scholar and star athlete, playing varsity basketball for legendary coach Margaret Wade, winning several titles.
Roxie was also crowned The CHS Homecoming Queen. Roxie graduated from the Mississippi Delta State Teachers College in 1950, with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. While at Delta State, she was on the Homecoming Court and was named “Most Beautiful” several times.
She later earned a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Nicholls State University. She was a beloved teacher at various schools in Mississippi, Texas, and Louisiana. Roxie taught in the Lafourche Parish school system in the Thibodaux area for over 30 years, serving as a supervisor of kindergarten teachers at W.S. Lafargue Elementary School until she retired in 1990.
Mrs. Sykes was a cherished wife, loving mother, and devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. For 61 years, she was married to Robert J. Sykes, Sr., combat veteran of World War II, who died in 2011. Roxie is survived by her two children, Robert J. “Bobby” Sykes, Jr. (Renee’ Duplantis) of Thibodaux and Roxanne Sykes (Richard J. Farano) of Arlington, Virginia, by her two grandchildren, Jessica Sykes Babin (Courtney) and Jamie Sykes Blanchard, and by her three great-grandchildren, Jacob Sykes, Caleb Blanchard, and Tate Babin.
Preceding her in death were her siblings Gladys McKnight, Artle Lee Fletcher, Clara Bell Causey, Roy Evans Griffin, Delbert “Doc” Griffin, Robert Berlin “Bob” Griffin, and Pervy Wilson “Bill” Griffin. Mrs. Sykes was a devout Christian. Throughout her life, she was very active in her local church and bible study groups and often assumed a leading role at vacation bible schools during the summer.
She was a church organist and pianist and over the years, played the Lord’s music at many church services, including weddings. In 1972, she and her husband helped establish University Baptist Church in Thibodaux, as charter members. Mrs. Sykes was a proud and active member of the Bayou Lafourche chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, tracing her lineage through her Jennings family.
She was the chapter librarian. For many years, she enthusiastically served as Constitution Week Chairperson, spearheading DAR’s outreach efforts and educational activities, often making presentations on the significance of the U.S. Constitution at local events in and around Thibodaux. A memorial will be held on Monday, July 2, 2018, at the First Baptist Church of Houma, with a gathering from 9:00-11:00am and a memorial service starting at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the First Baptist Church of Houma, 4863 West Park Avenue, Houma, Louisiana70364. Mrs. Sykes will be buried next to her beloved husband in Cleveland. There will be a graveside service for family and friends at 10:00am on Tuesday, July 3, 2018, at the New Cleveland Cemetery in Cleveland, Mississippi.
Online condolences can be given at www. samartfuneralhome.com Samart Funeral Home of Houma, LLC is in charge of arrangements. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Roxie Sykes please visit our Sympathy Store.
Upcoming Events Memorial Visitation 2018 JUL 2. 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM First Baptist Church Of Houma 4863 W Park Ave Houma, LA, US, 70364 Order Flowers for the Memorial Visitation Guaranteed delivery before Roxie’s Memorial Visitation begins. Memorial 2018 JUL 2.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM First Baptist Church of Houma 4863 W Park Ave Houma, LA, US, 70364 Order Flowers for the Memorial Service Guaranteed delivery before Roxie’s Memorial Service begins.
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