Margaret “Peggy” Shumaker Sykes, 97, of Statesville, N.C., passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025.
Peggy was born in Iredell County on September 2, 1927, to the late Charles Fulton Shoemaker and Margaret Jerusha Wilson Shoemaker. She was a graduate of Statesville High School and Mars Hill College. She retired from J.C. Penney Distribution Center, where she worked as an administrative assistant. She was a member of First Baptist Church. She loved playing the piano, shopping and traveling to beaches, especially her trip to Italy with friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Joseph Alfred Sykes, and a grandson, Rob Hudgins III.
Those left to cherish her memory are her three children, daughter, Margaret Adams (Charley) of Lawrenceburg, Tenn.; son, Joe Sykes (Sharon) of Troutman; daughter, Vicki Hudgins (Robert) of Statesville; grandson, Matthew Adams; step-granddaughter, Darlene Jones (Todd); step grandson, Lee Adams (Jamie); granddaughter, Lisa Sykes (Randy); grandson, Richard Sykes (Carrie); Josh Hudgins (Tori); and great grandchildren, Nicholas Shumake (Kimi), Caylyn Sykes, Gavin Sykes, and Rachel Hudgins.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at Brookdale Peachtree, Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, Dr. Andy White, and Dr. Naim Bouhussein.
A private family graveside service, conducted by Dr. Nelson Gernade, will be held at Oakwood Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 815 Davie Avenue, Statesville, NC 28677.
Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.
Oh how sad. My daughter Tricia and I adored Peggy. Tricia and her husband Joey and boys, Cooper and Colt, visited her last year and again before Christmas. I was sick and not able to go. After the first visit the boys left and Tricia said I guess we’ll go. Joey said, “Why, I’m enjoying this?” He’s usually ready to most places so this was a testimony as to how delightful Peggy was. She was always dressed with makeup and a smile. She was beautiful. We will miss her. Pat
A privilege to know and love Peggy Sykes. Her beautiful voice and elegant appearance were only surpassed by her wonderful spirit of joy, peace, and friendship with my mother and so many others. A talented pianist, reader, and line dancer, she was an essential and unforgettable presence as I grew up in Statesville. What a treasure and inspiration for whom I am so thankful.