Marcellus David Sykes Jr., made his sparkling entrance on July 4, 1938 to Marcellus Sykes Sr. and Louella Washington Sykes in Houston, TX. He is the eldest of two children born to this union. He was brought up in the admonition of the Lord; and at a young age, dedicated his life to the Lord. He faithfully attended St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, TX under the leadership of the late Pastor M. M. Malone. He used his talents and treasures to edify the church in Church Band and Sunday School and continued to financially support his home church until his death. Marcellus attended Douglas Elementary School and graduated from Kashmere Gardens High School in 1957.
Marcellus entered the Armed Services in the United State Marine Corps in 1957; where his career spanned 30 years of impeccable service with numerous awards and commendations for his attention to detail and financial acumen. Marcellus retired from the United States Marine Corps on December 1, 1986 with the rank of Gunnery Sergeant (E-7). “And for your service to this great country – We Thank You!”
In 1984, Marcellus met and married “The Love Of His Life” – Zetta Faye Hill, and they began a powerhouse union in real estate. They founded the Hill & Sykes Investment Company in San Pablo, CA; helping many to achieve their dream of home ownership and provided job opportunities for at risk youth through their Tri-Steel Building Construction Projects. In 2000, in collaboration with the National Heritage Foundation and Golden Gate Fields, they founded an annual memorial scholarship fund raising event in loving memory of their cousin, Legendary Blues and Rock & Rock Hall of Fame Inductee artist, Charles Brown. This scholarship endeavor benefits Prairie View A & M University of Prairie View, TX.
Marcellus and Zetta united with Hilltop Community Church under the direction of Pastor Jim Heden; where they served faithfully. They were devoted and supportive members of Hilltop Community Church until their health failed and he suffered a great loss, with the passing of his only sibling, Alvin L. Sykes in 2006 and Zetta Faye in 2009.
Marcellus was preceded in death by both parents; loyal and devoted brother, Alvin L. Sykes and beloved and forever cherished wife, Zetta Faye Hill-Sykes. Marcellus leaves to cherish and rejoice in his memory special cousins, Willie Lee Gay, D’Andrea Buggs, Doris Green and Louise Ford – all of Houston, TX. He also leaves long-time friends and confidants Dr. Leroy Swift (Rockdale, TX), Bobby Hart (Rio Vista, CA), Brenda Jones Simmons (Los Angeles, CA) and Eddie Johnson (Richmond, CA); four nephews Derrick Sykes and wife Nichelle (Brentwood, CA), Demond Sykes and wife Wendy (Sacramento, CA), Jerrel Elder and wife Keyna (Augusta, GA) and Louis Wright (Frisco, TX); one niece Marilyn Slaughter (Houston, TX) and a host of cousins, business associates, family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
