Joyce Marie Sykes

Joyce Marie Sykes, 85, of Fork Union, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the Center for Acute Hospice Care in Charlottesville, Virginia, with her loving husband by her side. Born on May 26, 1940, in Burchardville, Pennsylvania, Joyce was the daughter of the late Elmer and Florence "Kitty" Winans. Joyce had a long and fulfilling career as a dedicated project manager at the Naval Research Laboratory, where her attention to detail and commitment to excellence were well respected. She was a proud member of the American Legion Hall, where she met the love of her life, William "Bill" Sykes, then an active-duty U.S. Navy commander, in July 1989. The two were married for 34 wonderful years. When not enjoying the quiet serenity of their beautiful home and property in bucolic Fluvanna County, they enjoyed traveling and sightseeing both across the country and abroad. The couple also enjoyed live music and the theater, and visiting the many wonderful wineries near their home. Joyce's interests were many and diverse. A talented, self-taught seamstress and quilter, Joyce created beautiful quilted home adornments with great care and creativity. She loved gardening, both vegetables and flowers, and her home was always filled with stunning, unique floral arrangements. She was an accomplished baker, whose pies, cakes, and cookies were always a hit with all who enjoyed them. In quiet moments, she was an avid reader and enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles. Joyce is survived by her devoted husband, William "Bill" Sykes; her bonus children, Tracy Lyn Calizon and her husband Bobby, and Matthew Sykes and his wife Ann; bonus grandchildren, Mars and Tyson Calizon; and nieces and nephews: Debbie, Cathy, Ann, Theresa, Chris, Joe, and Tom; as well as numerous great-nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Belcher, and her nephew, Jim. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Hospice of the Piedmont Center for Acute Hospice Care for the exceptional and compassionate care Joyce received during her final days. A celebration of Joyce's life may be announced at a later date. An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, VA, is handling the arrangements.

Joyce Marie Sykes

May 26, 1940 - June 11, 2025