Linda McCanlies Sykes

Linda McCanlies Sykes, of Houston, passed away peacefully at home on March 22, 2024 at the age of 92. Linda was born on February 3, 1932 at her parents’ home in Arp, Texas. Her father’s employer was Humble Oil & Refining Co. which required frequent moves. In her formative years, she lived in Victoria, Katy, and Tomball, where Linda was in the school band. In 1948, her family moved to Anahuac, and in 1950, she graduated high school salutatorian while active in school activities, band, and choir. When Linda was in high school in Anahuac, she met her future husband, Norman Sykes. She took her first ride in an aircraft when Norman, as a surprise, landed his Taylorcraft on the narrow shell road behind the McCanlies’ house to fly Linda on a date to Liberty.

Linda started college at Southwest Texas State Teachers College in San Marcos in the fall of 1950. She graduated 3 years later with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and was offered a scholarship to attend Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee for a master’s degree. But Linda was eager to begin teaching, so she taught first grade at Fort Sam Houston in 1953-1954 and enjoyed it very much. When Norman came home from his tour of duty in Korea with the US Air Force in 1954, they were married in Jourdanton, Texas and quickly moved to St. Paul, Minnesota until Norman's term of enlistment was completed in December 1954.

In 1955, Norman and Linda moved to Houston, where they bought their first home and started a family. Linda tutored children from local schools, taught Sunday School/Bible School at the Glenbrook Methodist Church, was Girl Scout leader, taught Red Cross swimming classes and busily chauffeured children to their many activities. It was a busy time, but a time she looked back upon with pleasure.

Linda also returned to substitute teaching while her children were in school. Although she loved teaching, Linda’s focus in life was being a homemaker and raising her children. From building and flying kites to attending every performance, game and event, Linda was hugely committed to her children. Her rich imagination inspired her children to be inquisitive and her answers pieced everything together so naturally. She was non-judgmental and taught life-long lessons in humanity and kindness. She stressed education and was a willing participant in all classwork and school projects.

Linda’s passion during her later years in life was genealogy, where she spent over 30 years researching the family’s history. Trips to out-of-town libraries, courthouses and cemeteries were common and occupied much of her time. She was able to link family heritage to the 1100’s and discovered many interesting stories, photos, and history along the way. She also enjoyed performing with various singing groups, cooking, gardening, refinishing furniture, and travel. Linda had a talent for arts and crafts, crochet and quilting. She particularly enjoyed family gatherings with singing and guitar playing, which became a holiday family tradition. During the past 15 years, Linda was active in caring for her husband, Norman, until his death in 2021. Linda was a very loving and generous person who will be missed by all that knew her.

Linda is survived by her four children: son Richard Sykes and his wife Amanda Higgins, daughter Karen McElroy, son Kenneth Sykes and his wife Julie Bourgeois Sykes, and son Steven E. Sykes. In addition, Linda is survived by 6 grandchildren and two great grandchildren: Ryan Banks, Patrick Banks, Kevin Banks and his wife Shell Clemonds Banks, Michael Banks, Kathryn Sykes Jaska and her husband Michael Jaska and their son James, and Steven J. Sykes and his wife Alex Vaio Sykes and their daughter Cecilia.

A Funeral Service will be held at American Heritage Funeral Home located at 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038 on April 25, 2024 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.