Martha Sykes
Age - 75
September 19, 2023
Martha Belle Curley Sykes, 75, entered in to eternal rest peacefully on Thursday, September 14,2023 at Bon Secoures Community Hospice House surrounded by her family. God knew that she was tired and rewarded her by sending all of her heavenly angels to bring her home. Martha was born during a big snowstorm in Stony Creek, Virginia on February 1,1948 to her heavenly parents Deacon Venerable Lee Curley and Deaconess Nell Margaret Wright Curley. During Martha's childhood she grew up on the Curley Farm with her sister Margaret Arlene. Living a humble and blessed country life, they enjoyed eating fresh fruits and vegetables from their orchard and garden. Martha loved to read and spend time on the with her paternal Grandmother Martha Jane Curley Hatchett for whom she was named after. Martha received her primary and high school education from the Sussex County Public School System. During her elementary school years, Martha enjoyed the bumpy bus ride with her sister to the Stony Creek School House where she started her foundation of learning. She admired her teachers and took good notes. Martha graduated from Sussex Central High School in 1966. During her high school years Martha was a part of the SCHS Lady Tiger's Basketball team. She also enjoyed spending time in the library with her best friend Hazel Victoria Mason. Upon graduation, Martha matriculated to Virginia State University majoring in Library Science with a minor in English. During undergraduate studies Martha worked and attended classes at the same time to fund her education. Martha was persistent and completed her course work to eagerly begin her student teaching in the City of Richmond VA, at George Wythe High School. After completing her Four month assignment, Martha completed her undergraduate studies. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in 1972. Putting her studies to use, Martha signed her first contract in July of 1972. She began her career with Sussex County Public School Systems. Though she contracted as a Librarian, SCHS was in need of an English Teacher, so she served a dual role during her first year of teaching. Martha remained at SCHS for 2 years. In 1974 Martha wanted a change and began enriching the lives of elementary school students. For 11 years she spread her love of books and reading at Jefferson Elementary School. In July 1985 she accepted a position with Dinwiddie County Public School System. She was assigned to McKenney Elementary School as the Library media specialist. In 1988 Martha was assigned to Sunnyside Elementary upon the closure of MES. At Sunnyside, Martha enriched many students for 23 years As the Librarian, Computer Teacher, Reading Teacher, Gifted Teacher for Advanced Studies, and the School Reading Tutor. To endure her many teaching duties Martha took continuing education courses at Virginia State University, Longwood University, and the University of Virginia. Martha had a true "Passion for Education" and ensured the success of thousands of students over the years. As a devoted educator, she was a member of the following professional groups: Virginia Educational Media Association, Dinwiddie Education Association, Virginia Education Association, and the National Education Association. She also served on the Dinwiddie County Technology Committee and was an intricate part of implementing Reading, Math, Library, and Computer Technology Curricula for grades Pre-K thru 12 DCPSS. She also received numerous nominations for Who's Who Among American Educators. After 39 years as a dedicated educator, Martha closed her books, wrote her last lesson plan, and completed her final book inventory. Martha retired in June of 2011. After retirement Martha remained active in her community. Her love for literacy continued as she was appointed to Appomattox Regional Library System Board of Trustees for 2 consecutive terms. She also shared precious memories with the Dinwiddie County Chapter of the Virginia State University Alumni Association and the Retired Teachers' Association of Dinwiddie County. Martha loved the Lord and accepted Christ at an early age. She was baptized by Rev Samuel L Perry at her life-long family Church home, First Baptist Church of Jarratt, VA. Doing God's work, she worshiped and shared the Gospel through many Church organizations and activities. Over the years, Martha was a Sunday School Teacher teaching Biblical lessons just like her parents. Martha also was a Vacation Bible School teacher and loved to read Bible stories to the children of her class. Just like her mother, she worked with the A4 Missionary Circle. Martha loved to fellowship with her church sisters of the Women's Ministry. Martha loved her church and was known for her warm welcomes and acrostic poems. Martha was known for saying her favorite scripture verse. Psalm 118:24. Martha was also a proud former member of the Queen Elizabeth No. 191 Order of the Eastern Star, PHA of Stony Creek, VA until dismantled. In Martha's free time she loved reading her Bible and all genres of books. She also enjoyed cooking, word puzzles, word finds, and playing solitaire on her tablet. Martha especially loved traveling and eating out with her loving husband. She cherished her family time and daily chats with her sons. She was overjoyed with love for her granddaughter Jocelyn Denise was born. On a beautiful Sunday afternoon during the Spring of 1971, Martha and Curtis were chatting after church and Curtis asked her out to see the Movie "Love Story". That first date was the start of their love story. Martha and Curtis shared a wonderful courtship for a year and got engaged in 1972. On June 30, 1973 Martha and Curtis were wedded in holy matrimony by Rev. Joseph A Goode at FBC of Jarratt, VA. Martha and Curtis settled down and made Stony Creek, VA their home. Two children blossomed from their union, Cory Willie Sykes and Martrelle Cedric Sykes. Martha was an outgoing, fearless, compassionate, and caring mother. She was an adoring grandmother that loved spoiling and nurturing her precious granddaughter Jocelyn Denise while sharing many stories and nursery rhymes with her. Martha also was a loving bonus mother to her third son Anthony M. Winfield, who she considered her very own. Martha will vibrantly live on and affectionately be remembered for her kind, loving, and teaching spirit. Martha leaves to cherish and celebrate her rejoicing life of love, Her loving and devoted husband of 50 years Curtis Willie Sykes, her sons Cory Willie Sykes (Natasha) and Martrelle Cedric Sykes (Jessica), Her loving and caring bonus son Anthony M Winfield (Patricia), Two Granddaughters Jocelyn Sykes and Lacee Winfield. Her loving and caring sister, Margaret Arlene Curley Smith Perkins. Her nephews, Dr. Bruce A. Smith (Melinda), Jevon E. Goodwyn (Shavon), and Rashad N. Perkins (Candice), Three great nephews, Two great nieces, Her sister-in-love Clareace Sykes Goodwyn, two cherished God children, AnJanette and Adarian Byrd, Her life-long best friend Hazel Victoria S. Mason, Her special friends Audrey L. Byrd, Dr. Lisa H. Winfield, Maggie P. Hill, Millie N. Spicely, and a host of family, extended family, friends and her First Baptist Church Family. A homegoing celebration will be held on Monday September 25, 2023 at 12 Noon at the First Baptist Church, Jarratt, with the pastor, Rev. George R. Mayes, officiating, and the Rev. Antonel A. Myler, Sr, eulogizing. Burial will follow at the Curley Parham Cemetery, Stony Creek. Public viewing will be held on Sunday September 24, 2023 from 12 Noon to 7 pm at the Petersburg Chapel, where the family will also receive friends on Sunday evening from 6 to 7 pm. On the day of the service, the family will assemble at the Mckenney Chapel for the procession at 11am. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the professional staff- Petersburg Chapel- Joseph M. Johnson & Son Funeral Home, 530 S. Sycamore St. , Petersburg, VA 23803 (804) 863-4411 www. johnsonservices. usShow more
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