1916
Helen
2010
Helen Goodloe Sikes
May 22, 1916 — January 6, 2010
Helen Goodloe Sikes
It is with great sadness that we announce, after a wonderful life of 93 years, the death of Helen Goodloe Sikes, who went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 06, 2010, at Life Care Hospital of South Texas, in McAllen.
Helen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend. She was born on May 22, 1916, in Calvert City, Kentucky; where she was raised by her parents, Henry Emerson Goodloe and Virginia Vannerson Goodloe. She was the baby of eight children, two brothers and six sisters, who she adored immensely. She moved to Jacksonville, Florida, after high school, where she met and married her husband of 40 years.
She was a loyal and supportive “Navy” wife to Commander Thomas Jackson Sikes, who passed away at age 74 in 1983. During their Naval years they were stationed in Washington, DC, San Diego, Seattle, Miami, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Pensacola. She flourished in this diverse life, creating many fond and ever lasting memories. After retiring from the Navy, they settled in Jacksonville, Florida, where her sisters and brother lived; and she continued to raise her son, Gary, and her daughter, Patty.
Helen was a member of the Riverside Christian Church in Jacksonville and very active in her children’s lives, everything from room mother to den mother. She loved being a mom and grandmother, encouraging her children and grandchildren to be successful. In 2002, she moved to Texas with her sister, Virginia, to be closer to her daughter. For the last eight years she resided at Brook Ridge Retirement Community in Pharr, where she enjoyed bingo, visiting with friends, and traveling with her daughter. She lived her life with grace, dignity, and kindness to all.
Helen is survived by her daughter, Patty Sikes (Dr. Ben) Garza of Edinburg; a daughter- in-law, Judy Sikes of Athens, Georgia; grandchildren, Brooke and Brennan Shaffner of New York City; Myles Gary (Kathryn) Sikes of Atlanta and London; and great grandchildren, Sadie Helen Sikes and Lilly Anne Katherine Sikes of London, England; five step grandchildren – Loretta, Ben (Trish), Steven (Tonya), Veronica (Todd), and Cesar Garza, and their children; as well as, numerous nieces and nephews.
Helen is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son, Lt. Thomas Gary Sikes, who was killed in Viet Nam in 1968; brothers, Doug and Bob Goodloe; sisters, Dorothy Goodloe, Ara White, Jolee Powell, Nell Morehead, and Mary Virginia Andrews.
A memorial graveside service will be held at a later date at Evergreen Cemetery, 4535 Main Street, Jacksonville, Florida, followed by a reception. Local arrangements have been entrusted to Ceballos-Diaz Funeral Home in Edinburg.
Helen was a loving woman who cherished her family. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. She will live on in our hearts forever.
It is with great sadness that we announce, after a wonderful life of 93 years, the death of Helen Goodloe Sikes, who went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 06, 2010, at Life Care Hospital of South Texas, in McAllen.
Helen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend. She was born on May 22, 1916, in Calvert City, Kentucky; where she was raised by her parents, Henry Emerson Goodloe and Virginia Vannerson Goodloe. She was the baby of eight children, two brothers and six sisters, who she adored immensely. She moved to Jacksonville, Florida, after high school, where she met and married her husband of 40 years.
She was a loyal and supportive “Navy” wife to Commander Thomas Jackson Sikes, who passed away at age 74 in 1983. During their Naval years they were stationed in Washington, DC, San Diego, Seattle, Miami, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Pensacola. She flourished in this diverse life, creating many fond and ever lasting memories. After retiring from the Navy, they settled in Jacksonville, Florida, where her sisters and brother lived; and she continued to raise her son, Gary, and her daughter, Patty.
Helen was a member of the Riverside Christian Church in Jacksonville and very active in her children’s lives, everything from room mother to den mother. She loved being a mom and grandmother, encouraging her children and grandchildren to be successful. In 2002, she moved to Texas with her sister, Virginia, to be closer to her daughter. For the last eight years she resided at Brook Ridge Retirement Community in Pharr, where she enjoyed bingo, visiting with friends, and traveling with her daughter. She lived her life with grace, dignity, and kindness to all.
Helen is survived by her daughter, Patty Sikes (Dr. Ben) Garza of Edinburg; a daughter- in-law, Judy Sikes of Athens, Georgia; grandchildren, Brooke and Brennan Shaffner of New York City; Myles Gary (Kathryn) Sikes of Atlanta and London; and great grandchildren, Sadie Helen Sikes and Lilly Anne Katherine Sikes of London, England; five step grandchildren – Loretta, Ben (Trish), Steven (Tonya), Veronica (Todd), and Cesar Garza, and their children; as well as, numerous nieces and nephews.
Helen is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son, Lt. Thomas Gary Sikes, who was killed in Viet Nam in 1968; brothers, Doug and Bob Goodloe; sisters, Dorothy Goodloe, Ara White, Jolee Powell, Nell Morehead, and Mary Virginia Andrews.
A memorial graveside service will be held at a later date at Evergreen Cemetery, 4535 Main Street, Jacksonville, Florida, followed by a reception. Local arrangements have been entrusted to Ceballos-Diaz Funeral Home in Edinburg.
Helen was a loving woman who cherished her family. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. She will live on in our hearts forever.
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