Sylvia Elaine Ellis-Fykes, 60, of Shelbyville died Thursday, June 11, 2009, at Major Hospital.
Born Aug. 25, 1948, in Springfield, Tenn., she was the firstborn of the late William Robert and Mable (Lewis) Ellis. She married Gordon Franklin Fykes, and he survives.
Other survivors include her children, Brian Scott Ellis, DeAnn Michelle Ellis, Gordon Sylvester (wife, Rhonda) Fykes and Karmen Marie Bough; sisters, Pamela Faye Suggs, Barbara Lynn Gray; brother, Robert William Ellis; four grandchildren; aunts; nieces; nephews; and cousins.
Mrs. Ellis-Fykes first starting working by watching her two sisters, was a paid baby-sitter for the Macer and Caine families at age 11, then at 16 employed in the toy department at Sears & Roebuck. After graduation, she was employed by the telephone company and vested 14 years of service. Other employment included Williams Plastics Inc., University Heights, Community South and lastly Major Hospital.
She attended Third Avenue Grade School, and in 1954, her parents enrolled her in the all-white school of Cedar Hall. She graduated from Central High School in 1966. She attended Indiana State Extension in Evansville, Marion College in Indianapolis and received her degree in nursing from Ivy Tech State College.
Mrs. Ellis-Fykes was baptized at an early age on Easter Sunday at First Avenue Hoods Temple AME Methodist Church. She was a member of Second Baptist Church, where she was a former member of the usher board and former clerk. She felt a need for a nursing ministry regarding health education and issues.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her life was filled with joy and hugs and love for others. She used to say Old School is the best way and loved to put her two cents in. Her life was truly a testimony and model to many.
A wake will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday and from 10 a.m. until time for the service on Tuesday at Second Baptist Church.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with the Rev. Tony Lambert officiating.
Entombment will be on Wednesday in Sunset Memorial Park in Evansville.
Services have been entrusted to Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison St.
Memorial contributions may be made to W.S. Major Hospital Foundation, in care of Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville, IN 46176.
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