Dora "Vernell" Sykes

Mrs. Dora “Vernell” Southern Sykes, 88, of Mt. Airy passed away Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Northern Regional Hospital in Mt. Airy.  She was born in Surry County on June 27, 1934, to the late Rufus B. and Ida “Edna” Nixon Southern.  Mrs. Sykes retired from North Surry High School Cafeteria.  She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who will be dearly missed.  She is survived by a daughter, Annette Sykes White; a son and daughters-in-law, Gerald and Lori Sykes, Melissa Sykes; grandchildren, Dennis and Julie Willis, Ashley McKnight, Andrea Sykes, Jacob White, Jordan and Annelise Sykes, and Austin Sykes; great grandchildren, Kam McKnight, Summer and Taylor Cummings; a brother and sister-in-law, Kyle and Cathy Southern; many nieces and nephews, and a host of special neighbors and friends.  In addition to her parents, Mrs. Sykes was preceded in death by her husband, Ira William “Bill” Sykes; a son, Dennis Sykes; a sister, Frances Hawks.  Although there will not be a formal visitation, everyone is welcome to pay their respects to Mrs. Sykes at Moody Funeral Home in Mt. Airy on Tuesday from 8:00 AM until noon.  A graveside service will be held Tuesday at 2:00 PM at Oakdale Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741 .  Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.