Mr. George Sykes Sr.

SYKES SR., Mr. George - Age 91, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at Willowbrook Manor. Family hour 12 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, G-5443 N. Saginaw St., with funeral service commencing at 1 p.m. Bishop Neal Roberson officiating. Interment Flint Memorial Park, G-9506 N. Dort Hwy. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 12 p.m. Tuesday. Mr. Sykes Sr. will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 1 p.m. - 8 p.m., with family present from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Monday. Mr. George Sykes was born October 6, 1923 in Brooksville, Mississippi the son of William Sykes Sr. and Mary Lou Washington-Sykes. He was the sixth of seven children, five boys and two girls. George professed Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at an early age and was baptized at Harrison Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Brooksville, Mississippi. He united with Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in 1957 to continue his Christian walk. On December 20, 1947, George married his lifetime companion, Martha Hairston. George and Martha moved from Mississippi to Flint, Michigan in 1953. They arrived in Flint with three of their five sons (George, J.B. & Mack). Two additional sons (Cliffton & Larry) were later born in Flint. During the 1950s and 60s black Americans experienced severe discrimination and violence in the South, and George and Martha assisted those in their journey North, building a network of trusted family and friends in the process. With his leadership, they continued the time- honored, southern traditions they learned from their parents. The paths of countless Mississippians transited to the North through their home, and were treated as a part of the family until they found employment and made homes of their own. This legacy of brotherhood, family and community endures. George, also known as “Red George,” by his Mississippi friends and family, and was a devoted family man. Although short in stature, his influence was towering; he raised his sons sternly, in a manner that left no doubt about who was in charge. As the rock of the family, George was driven to provide, and completed a 37-year career with Buick Motors, a division of General Motors, retiring in December 1989. A simple man, George prioritized his family above all, and loved and cherished his wife of 67 years. Mr. George Sykes transitioned from this world at 3:00 a.m. on April 7, 2015 at the age of 91. George’s memory will be cherished by his wife, Martha; 4 sons, George Jr. (Rethon), J.B. (Sheri), Cliffton (Barbara), and Larry; 19 grandchildren; 49 great grandchildren; 30 great-great grandchildren; His youngest brother, James (Willie Bell) Sykes continues to reside in Mississippi; George’s extended family of 6 sister-in-laws, Mollie Hairston, Ella (Gilbert) Bransford, Hattie Hairston, Mary Hairston all of Flint, Mary L. Sykes and Allie B. Sykes of Indianapolis, IN; brother-in-law, Robert (Lois) Hairston; aunt-in-law, Lula (William) Monroe; a host of nieces and nephews; numerous cousins; Goddaughter, Debra Coleman; and many friends will also cherish their days spent with him. Mr. George Sykes was preceded in death by: son, Mack; 3 great-grandsons; great granddaughter; parents; 2 sisters; 3 brothers; and 4 brothers-in-law.

Mr. George Sykes Sr.

October 6, 1923 - April 7, 2015