her 80th birthday. Mrs. Jackson was a resident of Manchester NJ but was born in Kamen
Germany. She met her first husband, James Sykes when he was stationed at an Airforce base in
Germany. They were married and traveled to many countries with the Airforce before moving
to the USA in the 1960’s in the middle of the Civil Rights Movement. She was in a bi-racial
marriage and at this time had three bi-racial children. She spoke of her fear coming to the US
with her bi-racial children, but as a 6-foot-tall German, she was a force physically and her strong
personality would not allow her to be intimidated. She told stories to her children of how she had to endure hateful looks and racial discrimination. She always taught her children to be proud of who they are and where they came from. She always expressed to her children that it is a unique gift to have the attributes, culture and features of two races.
Upon her arrival in America she spoke little English but quickly taught herself to speak, read and write in English. Mrs. Jackson worked as a dedicated nursing assistant for 35 years. She retired in 2017 at the age of 77. She truly loved her job. She was a loving and dedicated mother and grandmother. She was very proud of her six children, eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She loved to spend time with her family, working in her garden, cooking and watching all the crazy reality TV shows. She was able to see Celine Dion in concert in Atlantic City on February 22, 2020, which was number one on her bucket list. Special shout out to Celine Dion for giving my mother one of the best experiences in her life. The family is also very thankful for her granddaughter Sophia for taking her in and caring for her which allowed everyone to spend more time with her.
She is survived by her children James Sykes Jr., John Sykes, Caroll Belcher and her husband
Michael, Peter Sykes and his wife Regina, Duane Sykes and Darryn Jackson. She is also survived
by her grandchildren Sophia Ayala, Camille Valmon, Gabrielle Valmon, Ashley Sykes, Aris Sykes,
Jordan and Reginald Sykes, Duane Sykes Jr., Michael and Bryce Belcher and Kamryn Jackson.
Her great-grandchildren Amarion Ayala-Petty, Kadeem Evans and Londyn Ayala-Judson her little best friend. She will be deeply missed by those who loved her.
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