RALEIGH

Alice was a very beautiful, devoted daughter and sibling. She is predeceased by her parents Edward Carlyle Sykes Sr. and Marie Pittman Sykes; daughter Cindy Templeton Whitley; brothers E.C. Sykes Jr., James Sykes, John R. Sykes and Brother in law Carl "Sonny" Ussery.  She is survived by her sister Dolores S. Ussery of Raleigh; Son Benjy Templeton of Myrtle Beach; Grandchildren Courtney T. Pernell and D. Chandler Perness and great grand children.

More than anything Alice was a resilient, strong, amazing and loving mother who provided for her family.  She was always smiling laughing, caring and loving to her close knit group of special friends over the decades.

She was a long time member of Milner Memorial Presbyterian church were she sang in the choir or as a special soloist with her beautiful soprano voice.

Alice worked for many years as the office manager and bookkeeper for her family run business, Sykes Concrete Company and retired from Readymix Conrete Company.  She was a graceful and skillfully skater and dancer who loved to read books and study the bible, whether it was at the beach or resting in bed.

Most nights as she would fall asleep, she would softly listen to Gaither's Gospel programs and recordings.  As she enjoyed watching TV sermons and reading books of bible teachings by Pastor Dr. David Jeremiah.

She was an amazing cook who made the best country-style steak, deviled eggs, potato salad and grits.  Alice will be greatly missed!

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE DONATE TO S.E.C.U. HOSPICE IN SMITHFIELD, NC IN MEMORY OF ALICE SYKES TEMPLETON JACKSON(Mother of CINDY WHITLEY).