Roosevelt Sykes

RACINE – Mr. Roosevelt Sykes, 69, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa, WI, surrounded by his family following a short illness. 

   He was born in Columbus, MS on May 6, 1947; the son Of Willie B. and Mattie Lucille (nee: Oakley) Sykes.  He received his formal education in the Columbus, MS Public School System.   On September 12, 1966, he was united in marriage to Cornette Jenkins. 

   Roosevelt worked at J.I. Case Company for 25 years, retiring in 1991.   He was a member of Local 180 Retiree Club.  Roosevelt enjoyed watching cowboy movies, fishing and spending time with family and friends.

   Roosevelt is survived by his wife Cornette; five daughters, Marie (Ernest) Gross, Sharon (Clifford) Smelly, Bridget (Harold) Harris, MeLinda Robinson and Yolanda Sykes; his grandchildren, Brittany, Vanessa, Cliff, Jr., Jada and Aaliyah; his great grandson, Jeremiah; his brother, Alonzo Caine of Akron, OH; his sisters, Margaret (Arthur) Butler Bolton of Racine and Eloise (Johnny) Pounds of Columbus, MS; his uncles,  Gilbert Griffin and Charles (Grace) Griffin, Hymes (Easter) Griffin of Memphis, TN; his great aunt, Mary Thornton all of Racine; as well as a host of nephews, nieces and cousins.  Roosevelt was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Leroy Oakley; his uncle, Hardy Oakley; his aunt, Freddie B. Hale and his great uncle, Eugene Thornton.

   Family and friends are invited to meet at Searching Together Baptist Church (825 21st Street) on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. for the celebration of Roosevelt’s Homegoing with Rev. Willie Riley officiating.  There will be a visitation in the church from 10-11 .am.   His interment will take place at Graceland Cemetery following the service at the church.