Mattie Ann Sykes

Mattie Ann Sykes, age 86 of Slayden, TN passed away in her daughter’s arms on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2025 at McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home with Rev. David Mackens officiating. Burial will follow at Potts Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 12 noon until the hour of service at the funeral home.

Mattie Ann Sykes was born on October 19, 1938, to the late Jack and Joanna Newman. She attended Yellow Creek High School and upon leaving school took a job to help support her family. She met her husband, James Sykes at a church function and they were married on January 31, 1958. They were married for 65 years until his passing in 2023. Mattie Ann loved to fish and in her younger years would spend entire weekends at the lake. She also enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family, and she loved to travel. Her favorite places were the Smoky Mountains and Myrtle Beach, SC. She liked to watch TV and her favorite show was Yellowstone. Her favorite character was Rip, because she said, “That’s one good looking man!!” Her smile and bright blue eyes could light up any room and they will be greatly missed. She was a meek and kind soul and never had time, nor was it in her nature to talk badly about another person. She had a long and successful career until her retirement from Jostens.

Survivors include her daughter, Lisa Ann Akins, and her husband, Timmy, one grandson, Cody Akins, and one sister, Elizabeth Harris and her husband, Gerald.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, James Estil Sykes; brothers, Buddy Newman, JT Newman, Billy Newman, and Lloyd Newman.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Alive Hospice for all the wonderful care and compassion they have shown.

Arrangements are in the care of McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home, 1209 Madison St, Clarksville, TN 37040.

Online condolences may be made at www.NaveFuneralHomes.com