Mary Magdalene Sykes

Mrs. Mary Magdalene Sykes was born September 6, 1951, in Forrest City, Ark., to the late John Wesley Haggins and Lonnie Jessie Mae McDonnell Haggins. Mary was the oldest of three children. Mary attended Forrest City Public Schools, and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1969. She attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (formerly, Ark. AM&N College) and was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree. She also earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Central Arkansas. In 1972, Mary was united in marriage to Laurence Sykes; to this union, one child, a son, Brandon, was born. Laurence Sykes preceded Mary in death. Mary accepted Christ at an early age and joined Beth Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Forrest City, Ark. Upon moving to Pine Bluff, Ark., she united with Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church where she served as a deaconess. Formerly, she was a member of the choir and served as the church clerk. Mary taught in the Dollarway, Little Rock, and Pine Bluff School Districts. She retired from the Pine Bluff School District in 2020. Mary held a lifetime membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Omega Omega Chapter. She was a Silver Star member. Mary's willingness to love unconditionally and help her family without question will forever be remembered. Mary was preceded in death by her husband and parents. She is survived by her son, Brandon (Chuki), grandsons, Landon and Paxton Sykes, all of Houston, Texas; a brother, Theodis Haggins of Forrest City, Ark., a sister, Johnetta Haggins of Forrest City, Ark., and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Viewing 5:30-6:30 p.m., Monday, September 13, 2021, at Brown Funeral Home Pine Bluff, Ark. A graveside service will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at Graceland Cemetery Cedar Grove Section Pine Bluff, Ark., by Pastor Dennis Wilson. Services are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, AR. www.Brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com.