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Allene M. Sykes
May 6, 2012
May 6, 2012
Allene M. Sykes, 90, of Athens, died Sunday, May 6, 2012, at her residence.
She was born on Nov. 4, 1921, in Bumpus Mills in Stewart County. A daughter of the late Dewitt Adron Morgan and Anna Mae Morgan, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert D. Sykes, in 1979; and three brothers, Adron Morgan, William Morgan and Troy Morgan.
She was a founding member of St. Mary Catholic Church, where she held numerous leadership and teaching positions for more than 40 years. She began her career in portrait photography, eventually owning her own studio in Clarksville, where she won numerous awards.
She came to Athens in 1963 with her husband, who became publisher of The Daily Post-Athenian. She hadn\'t planned to work for the newspaper, but because of her photographic experience, her husband asked her to come in for a few weeks and train a photographer. Those few weeks turned into 42 years, as she assumed increasing responsibility both in production and, eventually, administration. During her tenure, she served as business manager, with a stint as interim publisher. After her retirement as business manager in 1993, she worked as employee benefits coordinator until 2005.
She was an avid gardener and crafter, widely known for her green thumb.
Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Robert S. and Sharon Sykes of Athens; one sister, Elsie Barrett of Athens; one brother, Dotson Morgan of Guntown, Miss.; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and special friends; and caregivers, Doris Cate, Anita Barnes and Ruth Robinson, all of Athens.
A memorial service will be held later this month at St. Mary Catholic Church. Details will be announced at a later date. The family will visit with friends following the service. A private burial will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary Catholic Church Building Fund, 1291 E. Madison Ave., Athens, TN 37303; or to the Friendly Fellow Club, c/o The Daily Post-Athenian, P.O. Box 340, Athens, TN 37371.
Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home of Athens is in charge of arrangements.
