Mary Kathryn Gay “Kathy” Sykes
May 27, 1949 ~ August 2, 2021
ROCKY MOUNT - Mary Kathryn Gay “Kathy” Sykes, age 72, passed away on Monday, August 2, 2021. Born in Edgecombe County, NC on May 27, 1949, she was the daughter of the late William Dempsey Gay and Annie Leigh Proctor Gay. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Louise Gay Viverette and Patricia Gay Warren; her brothers, William Dempsey Gay, Jr., Bobby Lee Gay, Gene Raymond Gay, Kenneth Wall Gay; her foster brother, John Jobe; her nephew, Alan Gay; and her father and mother-in-law, Mac & Earther McMullen.
Kathy is survived by her husband of 43 years whom she dearly loved, Richard Randall Sykes; her sister-in law, Lucinda Gay; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved as her own children.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
The family would like to especially thank Rebecca Murray for being with her throughout this most difficult time.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
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A private family service will be held at a later date.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Well Kathy you were the last surviving member of an amazing family. You are all finally back together…grandma, granddaddy, mama, and all your brothers and sisters who went on before you. I can only imagine seeing all the smiling faces just waiting to welcome you home. No more pain and sorrow. Just all the love and happiness that can only be found in His presence. You will be sorely missed. I love you a bushel, a peck and a hug around the neck. Until we meet again on the other side. Love ya! Paula and Leonard
Randy, I am so sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. She was one of the best friends I ever had and we had such great times and built so many memories. One thing that I know for sure and that is Kathy loved Jesus and she is with him now totally healed. I will always treasure our relationship. Jim and I are praying for you. We love you. Vicky
Our heart felt prayers for all Gay family. May cherished memories of good times and her love live on til you meet in heaven. Prayers for peace and hope. Tom and Martha Lancaster Barnes
I’ll miss you and our talks. Till we meet again, Annie, JD, Weylin, and Odin
In memory of Mary Kathryn Gay Kathy Sykes, Frances Proctor lit a candle
My Sweet Friend and Angel. You are now in the arms of Jesus, this is the day you have waited for. You have struggled but always been patient and kind. We will miss you but will always remember the lives you touched. Rest In Peace!
My Sweet Friend and Angel. You are now in the arms of Jesus, this is the day you have waited for. You have struggled but always been patient and kind. We will miss you but will always remember the lives you touched. Rest In Peace!
I haven’t seen you in a long time but the memories are some of the best . I can’t help But go back To those years when I could come and spend time at your house in the country. I remember one time we went out yo field behind your house and made up A game with the flags in the field. Don’t remember the game just the spanking we got from aunt Annie Lee. The best ever was when we climbed on the barn And decided We would jump On the horse in the pasture . After all they jumped in horses on tv all The time.of course another spanking from my favorite aunt Annie Lee. You did introduce me to my first love Gene Lancaster. You did date him first. You Did everything first and then taught me . I love you
Just found out .Wanted to let you know how much I will miss Kathy,she was always good to me and I will always be grateful for the both of you.Love Sharon
Randy,so sorry for your loss,she did love you,we go a long way back,memories that we will never forget and all the times you helped us out with class reunion.Kathy was always special to me.we had a bonded relationship that can never be ereased. my heart is broken and I will miss her foreverit.thank you for sharing your time with us,she is with her Lord and Savior,will see her again, love and praying for you Randy.you will get throught this with Jesus help
Randy,so sorry for your loss,she did love you,we go a long way back,memories that we will never forget and all the times you helped us out with class reunion.Kathy was always special to me.we had a bonded relationship that can never be ereased. my heart is broken and I will miss her foreverit.thank you for sharing your time with us,she is with her Lord and Savior,will see her again, love and praying for you Randy.you will get throught this with Jesus help
I am very sorry for your loss.
Randy and family, I was so very sorry to hear about Kathy’s passing. She, as well as you all, are such dear people and have always been so kind and compassionate to everyone you encounter. Kathy has loved, and I mean LOVED, every single member of her family dearly, and has always kept correspondence with me to let me know how much she loved me! So many memories of family reunions hosted by she and Randy at their home, to be sure everyone kept in touch! Randy, may you find some comfort in knowing you have been an amazing husband and best friend to Kathy, and in the many, many memories you share! I love you both, regardless of the time that has passed since seeing either of you, I have always felt special because of the love and generosity that you and Kathy shared with me over the years! My God provide you strength in the days ahead, I love you! With sincere love and prayers, Evelyn
You were such a Big presents in my life no matter what you always had time for me