Helen Sykes

Helen Louise Pulley Sykes, age 83, of Franklin, TN, passed away on October 17, 2024. She was born on July 15, 1941, in Stewart County, TN, to the late Earl and Bessie Hildreth Pulley.

Helen had a distinguished career, retiring as a Senior Vice President from Sun Trust in 2002 after 38 years with Third National Bank and Sun Trust. Following her retirement, she dedicated 11 years to volunteering at McKendree Retirement Community, where she touched many lives.

A lover of reading, traveling, and working on puzzles, Helen also enjoyed word searches and playing Wordle. She cherished taking pictures, especially of her beloved granddaughters, and had a passion for playing the piano and listening to Southern Gospel music. Cooking, especially baking cookies for family and friends, brought her immense joy.

Helen was an active member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Franklin, TN, and found great fulfillment in her Sunday School class, affectionately known as the M & M (Mary and Martha) Class. Above all, she treasured the moments spent with her daughter, Jennifer, son-in-law Mark, and her precious granddaughters, Helena and Audrey.

She attended Vanderbilt School of Banking and the Colgate Darden School of Banking at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Newell “Shelby” Sykes, with whom she shared nearly 63 years of marriage, and her sister, Betty Raley.

She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Harris; son-in-law, Mark; granddaughters, Helena and Audrey Harris, all of Franklin, TN; and her sister, Wanda Clark, Smyrna, TN.

A visitation and funeral service will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024. Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM, with Bro. Larry Lafferty officiating. Burial will follow at Stewart County Memorial Gardens. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Anglin Funeral Home, Dover, TN. Online condolences may be made at anglinfuneralhome.com.