Karen Alicia Sykes of Bethel Springs, Tennessee, was born on January 3, 1950, in Cortland, New York, to Helen (Torok) Brookshear and Murray Alexander Brookshear. She passed away peacefully on December 25, 2024, at the age of 74, in Birmingham, Alabama, surrounded by her loved ones.
She is survived by her two devoted daughters, Michelle Marie Luther of Cortland, NY, and Kristelle Cherie Sykes of Siler City, NC; and her son, Michael Alan Sykes of North Carolina.
Karen was the proud grandmother of four grandchildren: Kiara Marie Sykes-Niebauer and her husband Jacob Paul, Gauge Robert Wheeler of Campbell Hall, NY, Jacquelyn Cherie and Dylan Michael Luther of Cortland, NY. She was also blessed with a great-granddaughter, Charlotte Mae Luther of Cortland, NY.
Karen leaves behind her loving sister, Judith Mashburn and husband Larry, along with her sister Susan Brookshear, who will continue to cherish her memory.
Karen’s life was marked by love, devotion, and a deep sense of family. She will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, and unwavering dedication to her family and friends.
