Joy Sykes

Carolyn “Joy” Sykes, 74, of Winston Salem, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday March 4, 2023.

Born October 13, 1948, in High Point, NC, she was the daughter of Jerry My Darnell and Carrie Pearl Darnell. In May of 1995, she married the love of her life Edward Hayes Sykes. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt. She spent her golden years continuing full time employment to ensure that her beloved grandchildren would always have everything they needed in life. She worked as an insurance auditor and reviewer for several insurance carriers throughout the United States. Prior to that she spent several years as a skilled accountant and bookkeeper. Joy attended Campbell University and received her accounting degree from UNCG. She worked as an accounting professional for over twenty-five years including work as finance officer at High Point Drug Action Council, Controller at Furniture Choices, and worked as accountant at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Calvary Moravian and First Christian Church. Joy learned to deeply care for the homeless she met during her many years spent at Samaritan Ministries in Winston Salem. Everyone she met while employed there was always special in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, five sisters, and one brother, Aileen Fulcher, Ruth Chatham, Betty Lee, Jeanette Lain, Bonnie O’Donovan and David Darnell.

Surviving is her husband, Edward Sykes of Winston Salem; children, Carrie Skipper of Greensboro and Cameron Tedder (Chris) of Thomasville; grandchildren, Elijah Skipper of Greensboro, Avery Skipper of Chapel Hill, Gracie Tedder of Thomasville and Jerry Tedder of Thomasville; and siblings, Jerry Douglas Darnell of Thomasville and Patricia Gail Cates of Louisburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to your local Salvation Army.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 3:00 PM until 4:30 PM Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.wrightfs.com.

Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point is in charge of arrangements.