Barbara Louise Sykes

Barbara Louise Haigh Sykes, 84, of Charlotte, went to be with her Lord and Savior and rejoined her son and parents on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at Novant Hospital Matthews Campus. Barbara was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on August 1, 1937, the daughter of Frederick and Louisa Haigh. She grew up in Cranston, Rhode Island for most of her life, graduating from Cranston High School. Barbara was an organist in the Rainbow Girls, an organization of the Eastern Star, when she met the Master Counselor of DeMolay International Rhode Island, an organization of the Masons. That Master Counselor, Mr. Brooke Sykes, turned out to be the love of her life and in 1956, they were married. Together, they were blessed with five children. Brooke’s company transferred him to Charlotte and in 1973, they moved. When not working at home caring for her family, Barbara worked for a time as a key punch card operator for Family Dollar. When not working, Barbara enjoyed crocheting, needlepoint and crossword puzzles, and attending the AM Stars program at Morning Star Lutheran Church. Most of all, she loved the time spent with family, especially the grand and great grandchildren, visiting them via Facetime and sending them gifts. Of everything she was proud of, one of her greatest was that the love of two people, she and her husband Brooke, through God’s blessing, grew to a family of 37 today. Barbara is survived by her husband Brooke Sykes Sr; four children: Cheryl (husband Jerry) Thurman of Olon, Ecuador, Diane (husband Clay) Alexander of Rock Hill, SC, Brooke (wife Gail) Sykes Jr of Columbia, TN, Brenda (husband Mark) True of Charlotte, NC; brother, Charles (wife Denise) Haigh of Rhode Island; grandchildren Dale, Brooke Ann, Jesse, Katie, Brooke, Rachel, Charlie, Shelby, Brandon, Alex and Kyle; and 10 great grandchildren. Barbara is further survived by numerous other family and friends as well as her church family at Morning Star Lutheran Church. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; and a son, David. The family will receive friends for fellowship and stories in the fellowship hall of Morning Star Lutheran Church, 12509 Idlewild Road, Matthews, beginning at 1 PM on Sunday, July 10, 2022. At 2 PM, all will move to the sanctuary where Pastor John Mouritsen will lead a celebration of her life, love and blessing. All services will conclude that day at the church. Barbara will later be placed in her final earthly place of rest at the church columbarium. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate it if you would sponsor a bird in Barbara’s name at Parrot Mountain Gardens. The website will ask that you send a check. PLEASE NOTE ON THE CHECK THAT THE DONATION IS IN MEMORY OF BARBARA. That way, Parrot Mountain can keep the family informed of donations in her name. Here is the link to the page http://www.parrotmountainandgardens.com/?page_id=85 The mailing address is - 1471 McCarter Hollow Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862

Barbara Louise Sykes

August 1, 1937 - June 29, 2022