Marleen Sykes

Marleen K. “Molly” Sykes 95, of Decatur passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 8, 2025, at St. James Catholic Church, Decatur, IL. Interment will follow in the Harristown Cemetery, Harristown, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to St. James and St. Patrick Catholic Church or Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois Charitable Fund. Calvert & Wikoff Funeral Home, Mt. Zion, is assisting the family with services. Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at Calvertmemorial.com.

Molly was born January 19, 1930, in Hart, Michigan the daughter of Jack and Alberta Simon. She married Jarratt Sykes on June 10, 1955, in Peoria, IL. He preceded her in death on April 5, 1999. They lived in Decatur for many decades. Molly was a member of St. James Catholic Parish in Decatur. She worked for many years as a teacher and principal at St. James School, and later as a rectory office assistant. She loved her profession, family, traveling, and gathering with friends and extended family.

Molly is survived by her three sons: Jeffrey Sykes (Brenda), Randy Sykes (Sally), and Scott Sykes, grandchildren: Matt Sykes (Jenny) , Tim Sykes, Courtney McSherry (Ryan), Adam Sykes (Taylor), Natalie Corley (Chad), Lindsey Smith (Dan), and Kim Harvey, eleven great-grandchildren also survive.

Molly was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two sisters, infant son Joseph, and an infant great-grandson: Oscar.