Mother Amie Lucille Sykes peacefully entered eternal rest on July 5, 2023 surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on April 24, 1931 in Wayne County and was the daughter of the late Curby Rouse and Eva Mae Darden. She was also preceded in death by Ralph Darden (her stepfather) who also raised her.

She attended Barnes School in Wayne County and worked at Wages Factory in Smithfield, NC and also Claridge Nursery for many years.

She was a faithful member of Gospel Tabernacle of Deliverance Church for over 20 years where she served as a mother of the church.

Amie was preceded in death by her mother, father, husband, Nathaniel Sykes Sr.; sons, Fletcher Sykes, Willie Sykes and Phillip Best; brothers, Henry Darden, Clarence Darden, Edward Darden and James Darden and sisters, Beulah Darden and Mattie Jones.

She leaves to cherish her memories: daughters, Pearlie (Keith) Massey, Hilda (Linwood) Taylor, Annie (Alfred) Health, all of Goldsboro and Alice (Levern) Williams of Dudley; son, Nathaniel Sykes Jr. (Lillian) of Goldsboro; sisters, Elizabeth Jones of Georgia, Margret Elliott of Jacksonville, NC and Margret Townsend of Goldsboro; brothers, Ralph (Mary) Darden of Princeton and Randolph Darden of Goldsboro; aunts, Elenora Hodges, Mary Best and Gladys Best; 22 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She also leaves to cherish special friends, Wilma Best, Hope Best and Lois Broadie.

Homegoing service will be held Monday, July 10, 2023 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro. Burial will follow at Wayne Memorial Park in Dudley. Viewing will be held prior to the service from 10 until 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home.

Professional services entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.