Obituary of Elder Rose M. Sykes

Elder Rose M. Sykes was born as Rose Mary Foreman in Saint Louis, Missouri to Rosabell (Spiller) Foreman and Cleveland Foreman on July 5, 1951. Shortly thereafter, adopted by grandparents: William and Sallie Spiller. She was preceded in death by her Grandparents; William and Sallie Spiller; her father ~ Cleveland Foreman; her sister ~ Elder Dr. Helen Wandricks. Rose received her formal education in East Saint Louis and was a proud graduate of Lincoln High School. She married the love of her life, Elder Eugene Sykes on January 17,1970. To this union two children were born, Deveon and Jeanna. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, friend, spiritual advisor, and powerful woman of God. After twenty years, Rose returned to school, persevered, and received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Fontbonne University, while having a full professional career as a Pension &a HR Specialist. She later became an independent business owner of Organo Gold. Rose loved God and confessed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age. Upon her acceptance of Christ in her life, she became a member of Community Mission Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the Late Bishop Lemuel N. Moore Sr. (later to become The Church of East Saint Louis, under leadership of the present Bishop Lemuel N. Moore II). She was a faithful member of the church and Sunday School. As she grew in faith and stature, Rose had a heart for the people. She became an integral part of the church leadership team. She led the Usher & Hospitality Team for over 25 years, was a member of the Mother’s Board, a member of the ISEJ State Choir, traveled extensively to the E. C. Reams Conference, and served on various other committees. She served faithfully as needed until her health prevented her from doing so. Before she preached her first message, Rose’s life reflected the truth of God’s love and faithfulness. She boldly and unashamedly proclaimed God’s word wherever her feet trod. She was called and served as a Missionary and was later officially ordained as an Elder in the Interdependent and Interdenominational Church in 2006. She also served as a part of the Completed Work Ministry. She loved reading her bible, talking with, and praying for others, and pouring out God’s unfailing love as a spiritual mother to so many. Rose leaves to cherish her loving memory: her devoted husband of almost 52 years, Elder Eugene Sykes, Jr; her children ~ Deveon Sykes (Hershelene) and Jeanna Searcy (Titus) both of Atlanta, GA; her grandchildren ~ Devondra (Demetris) Dodd, Clarence “Tre” Nisbett III of Atlanta, GA, and Devonya Sykes of Atlanta, GA; also known as Grammie to Kenyetta Clay, Deveon Sykes, Destiney Yarbrough, and Ivory Yarbrough; 6 great grandchildren; her mother ~ Rosabell McClain; her siblings ~ Willie Spiller (Linda), Beverly Lacey (Obediah), Patricia McGhee, and Kevin Spiller of Tampa, FL; her Mother- In-Law ~ Annie W. Sykes; her spiritual sister ~ Emily Smith-Costello; God-daughter ~ Debbie McCray- Gully; long-time friends Rhonda Bennett & Odessa Taylor; a multitude of spiritual children; a host of loving aunts, uncles, in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong dear friends. Her heart was full, and it overflowed onto all who knew her. She is in our hearts forever and will always be missed. We know she’s happy now and isn’t in pain. It hurts to be apart, but we will see her again. We are comforted to know she is in heaven, sharing her gifts and smiling down on all of us.