Celebrating and Remembering the Life of Vergie Jean Sykes-Bell July 12, 1941 January 15, 2017 Saturday, January 21, 2017 12:00 Noon Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church 14234 Alabama Highway 20 West Hillsboro, Alabama 35643 The Reverend Antwon Plott, Pastor
Obituary I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 It was a beautiful day, July 12, 1941. The sun was radiant; the air was crisp and breezy when the Sykes Family learned that the Lord had sent a new addition to their family, a beautiful baby girl. Vergie Jean Sykes-Bell was born to the union of the late Thomas Sykes Jr. and Gurnice Sykes, in Lawrence County, Alabama. She was reared in a Christian and loving family. On Sunday, January 15, 2017 our Heavenly Father sent the Angel of Everlasting Life to her home in Hillsboro to escort Vergie to her eternal home. Vergie accepted Christ at an early age, and was a dedicated member of Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church, Hillsboro, Alabama. For many years, she served as Church secretary, and loved her church dearly. Jean was also a faithful member of the Mallard Creek Primitive Baptist Association. She was a 1959 graduate of Tennessee Valley High School, and furthered her education at Alabama A&M University in Normal, Alabama. She was a twenty-eight year retiree of the Morgan County Health Department in Decatur, Alabama. She worked as a nurse and was known by always keeping her hair and nails perfected. She was preceded in death by her parents and her eldest son, Lawrence Carlton Bell. Vergie s legacy and memories will forever be embedded in the hearts of her family. She leaves to cherish her memory and a loving husband, Lawrence Bell, Hillsboro, Alabama; Darrius O. Bell, Mobile, Alabama; one sister, Frances Ann (Johnny) Young, Jr., Hillsboro, Alabama; three brothers, Freddie (Betty) Sykes, Decatur, Alabama; John Sykes and Tommy Sykes, Jr., both of Decatur, Alabama; two loving granddaughters, Shantia (William) Stewart Decatur, Alabama; and Amber (Tirvarrus) Hadley, Tupelo, Mississippi; five adorable great-grandchildren, Nevah, Maikyh, William Jr., Tirvarrus Jr., and Serenity; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones.
Order of Service Prelude........... Musicians Processional.......... Reynolds Funeral Home Ministers The Family Selection........ Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church Choir Prayer........... Pastor R. M. Johnson Scripture Readings..... Old & New Testament..Pastor Kenneth Langford Selection..... Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church Choir Poem.. Dr. G. Lynne Herring Words of Comfort.... Pastor Kenneth Owens Tribute. Hold On...... Son, Grands, & Niece Church Resolution......... Sister Lucy Cohen Special Tribute.... He s Able.... Great Grands Acknowledgement... Dr. Cheryl Bowman Solo It s Already Done... Brother Tirvarrus Hadley Eulogy....... Pastor Antwon Plott Recessional Interment Calvary Memorial Gardens Repast Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church
The Serenity Prayer God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; The Courage to change the things I can; And the Wisdom to know the difference.
The Broken Chain Little did we know that day, God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, You did not go alone, For parts of us went with you, The day God called you home. You left us beautiful memories, Your love is still our guide. And although we cannot see you, You are always at our side. Our family chain is broken And nothing seems the same But as God calls us one by one, The chain will link again.
Grandma You ve always been right there for us, Right from the very start; We always knew you loved us, From the bottom of your heart. When we were small, you d pick us up, And take us to get things like makeup, and fingernails; Although you couldn t really do hair, You d put that one roller in our bang so we had that one perfect curl! When we came to your house you spoiled us, And almost made us lazy; You cooked, cleaned, & ironed for us, No matter how big we got, we was ALWAYS grandma s babies. You encouraged us no matter what, To do our very best; with you we could do no wrong, And we stood above the rest. Those were the good ole days, Time has changed indeed; We Got chances to do your makeup, your nails, & your hair, We got the chance to have a hand in helping You with your needs! But when our babies came along, it was like Lord what have we done??? ; We became your number two, And your Great s were your number one. Every time you saw them and they saw you, Y all would have the biggest kool-aid smile; You d let them do EVERYTHING, even play On your walker every once in a while. Those are just a few of the memories That we will hold dear in our hearts; And other things like your love of life, your family & friends, But most of all your love for God! Our prayers were for God to heal you, And He done just that; So on the other side is where we ll meet again, Over in Glory grandma, and that s a BET!!!
Grandma s Gone To Heaven One quiet day the angels came And took grandma far away But in the stillness of the night I could almost hear her say, My dear grandchildren I will miss you all You mean so much to me But Jesus called me to His side In Heaven I will be. A place of God s great beauty No tears or earthly cares Only peace and joy forever And love beyond compare. So remember all the good times Don t think about the sad Treasure all the special moments Through the years we always had. And if you trust in Jesus I promise this and more You will get a hug from grandma Someday on Heaven s golden shore.
Pallbearers Deacons & Class of 1959 Flower Bearers Class of 1959 & Friends Ushers Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church Acknowledgements The family of the late Vergie Jean Sykes-Bell wishes to express our deepest appreciation during our time of bereavement. You have given so much to subtract our sorrow and multiply our faith in mankind. Your encouraging words and innumerable acts of kindness are accepted as priceless gems of our friendship. Each prayer, visit, flower, and tangible act expressed during her illness and death made sorrow and grief more tolerable. May god continue to bless you is our prayer! The Family Professional Service Entrusted To: REYNOLDS FUNERAL HOME Serving the Community with a Spirit of Excellence since 1929 www.reynoldsfh.com