GALVESTON - Joseph Lewis “Honey Bear” “Sonny” Sykes, departed this life on August 24, 2010, after a lengthy illness.
Joseph was born January 8, 1940 in Galveston to the union of Joseph & Ada Dozier-Sykes. “Honey Bear” was a graduate of Central High School class of 1959, and was an active alumni member, sharing in many class engagements. Joseph was a retired Merchant Marine, and from the City of Galveston Public Works Dept.. He was also a member of the Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church.
Joseph was preceded in death by both parents; Joseph & Ada Dozier-Sykes; his eldest daughter, Tammy Sykes-Sweeny; a sister, Desiree Clark-Allen.
Joseph leaves to cherish loving memories, his wife, Joyce Marie Foreman-Sykes, two sons, Rev. Timmy (Kathy) Sykes of Chattanooga, TN., Daniel (Janice) Williams, Texas City, TX., two daughters; Thebatha Sykes, and Twoonia (Jared) Sykes; brother; Donald “Goose” Sykes; sisters, Henrietta Sykes, Gina Stubblefield of Galveston, TX., Pauline Sephus, Houston, TX.; sisters-in-law, Katherine Foreman, Stella Foreman, Deborah Feaster, Ella J. Tubbs; 14 grandchildren; many friends, and many, adopted family members. Joseph will be truly missed by all that knew him, and the many lives that he touched.
Visitation will begin at 5PM today August 27th, at Mt Moriah Baptist Church, followed by a wake from 7-8 PM. Funeral service will be held Saturday, August 28, 2010, at 1:00 PM also at the church with Pastor Dexter Henderson officiating and Rev. Tim Sykes eulogist. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery.