Viola Sykes

Viola Wofford Moody Sykes passed away on August 22, 2017 at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge, TN. She was born October 30, 1926 in the Mint Spring community of Stewart County and was the daughter of Jesse C. and Gladys Westerman Wofford. In addition to her parents Ms. Sykes was preceded in death by her brother Conley C. Wofford and wife Jean of Burnett, TX, sister Clara Causey and husband Warren of Douglasville, GA, and sister Lorene Zimmerman and husband M.B. of Austin, TX. Ms. Sykes was also preceded in death by husbands Charles C. Moody, whom she married in 1946 and Robert R. Sykes whom she married in 1992. She nursed both through long battles with cancer.
Ms. Sykes is survived by son Carter C. Moody of Nashville, TN and daughter Dianne M. Sexton and husband Robby Pelizzari with whom she lived in Oak Ridge, granddaughter Natalie Hall Knoxville, TN, great granddaughter Paige Schubert of Oak Ridge and special friend Judy Daugherty of Clinton, TN. She is survived by several special nieces, nephews, and cousins.
During her life in Stewart County, Viola was devoted to the annual Mint Spring Reunion and to the care of the Wofford cemetery. She wrote two books of stories about growing up in the Mint Spring / Lost Creek communities. Always active in in her community and church she often served as a care giver and helpmate to those who needed her. For many years, Viola sang in gospel quartets and church choirs.
Ms. Sykes worked in food services at various locations in the area including Paris Landing State Park and for 19 years at Stewart County High School. She was originally a member of Saint Mary’s United Methodist Church, and attended Leatherwood United Methodist and Walnut Grove Baptist Churches in Dover, TN. She was affiliated with and received support from United Church, Chapel on the Hill of Oak Ridge, TN.
Visitation will be from 11:00AM until 1:00PM Sunday, August 27 at Anglin Funeral Home in Dover. Services will begin at 1:00PM. Burial will follow in Wofford Cemetery. Dr. Darryl Armstrong of Eddyville, KY will officiate. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be David Ross, Dale Ross, Steve Causey, Warren Causey, Dale Wofford, and Billy Sexton.