Winter Haven- Sue Sykes, 74 of Winter Haven went to be with the Lord, surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 due to a stroke.
She was an amazing woman, caring wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She had an incredible impact on everyone who knew her—her strength, courage, and compassion inspired us all.
She was born on September 18th 1934 at Tampa General Hospital to Nelson Phillips Poindexter and Anne Warren Poindexter. Attending the Academy of Holy Names, she graduated in 1951 at the age of sixteen, and later graduated from Tampa Business College in 1955. She was an executive secretary working for the Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Exchange National Bank (Bank of America) and was a customer representative for the Playtex Corporation in Dover, Delaware. She traveled extensively, including living in Japan for 4 years before moving back to Florida. After moving back to Florida she worked for Phillips Enterprises and Jack Pines Enterprises for 30 years as an administrative assistant and property manager, receiving and maintaining her Real Estate license since 1978 dealing with commercial real estate sales and rentals. Jack Pines became her mentor and friend, a relationship that lasted until her passing.
Her busiest schedule came after retiring in 1999. She was happy when she did for others, whether volunteering at the Winter Haven Hospital, or Life Path Hospice, or the many other acts of unselfish service to individual friends and family. She belonged to many professional organizations and fine arts associations, including the Executive & Professional Women’s Club, the Executive Women’s Dinner Club, Ridge Arts Guild, Bartow Arts Guild, Bok Tower Sponsor, and Tampa Bay Performing Arts member.
As a talented artist, she was always yearning to refine her craft. She attended an extensive array of art classes first in Japan and later in Winter Haven, under the direction of Carol Conti, a noted local artist and friend. Sue specialized in oil painting, watercolor, and pastels. In addition to art, she was passionate about staying on the cutting edge of computer technology attending numerous computer classes and mentoring others.
Her fondest affiliation is that she was a dedicated parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Winter Haven. She could be seen every Sunday in church with her family and friends. She loved her church and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Lorraine Rash. She is survived by her husband of 35 years Jack Sykes; her sister Lissa Lou Witt; her daughter Dr. Linda Acocelli (Bob); son Lee Clack (Barbara); her grandchildren: Michael Hardy; Angel Adams Nations (Loren); Orlando Valdes (Emily); Amber Acocelli Dedmon (Lee); Brian Rash; Brittany Acocelli; and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation is scheduled for Monday, August 3rd 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Oakridge Funeral Care 2425 West Havendale Boulevard, Winter Haven, FL. Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, August 4th, 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 535 Avenue M NW, Winter Haven, FL. Interment services will be at Rolling Hills Cemetery, Old Lucerne Park Road (4810 Tilden Road), Winter Haven, FL. Reception following the burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society, 809 S Florida Ave
Lakeland, FL 33801-5234.
