Mrs. Fannie ''Elise'' Adams Sykes

TARBORO – Fannie “Elise” Adams Sykes’, age 97, journey on earth ended on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, when she entered eternal peace and rest with her Lord and Saviour.  Born in Edgecombe County, NC, on November 14, 1927, she was the daughter of the late William Frank Adams and Blannie Bell Penwell Adams.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Jack Holbert Sykes, Sr. and her brothers, Frank Columbus Adams, Charley Chester Adams, and Ernest Battle Adams.

Elise met her soul mate and love of her life, Jack, while working as a telephone operator.  A devoted homemaker, she began working as a crossing guard at Battle School when her children, Dianne and Jack, started school.  As her children grew older, Elise went to work at Sears in the auditing department until Guardian Corporation purchased the Atlantic Coastline Hospital, at which time she went to work as manager of the nursing home.  After Guardian Care built a new facility, she was appointed the first administrator for the new Guardian Care in Rocky Mount.  Years later when Autumn Corporation purchased Guardian, Elise was transferred to their corporate headquarters and became the executive secretary for the CEO.  Throughout her career, she loved working with patients, their families, and the staff.

A talented seamstress, Elsie enjoyed making her own clothing as well as her children’s clothes while working full time, to include designing and making her daughter, Dianne’s prom dresses and wedding gown, and Jack’s sports coats, shirts, and dress trousers.  She crocheted beautiful doilies, tablecloths, and scarves, cross stitching pictures using sewing thread instead of embroidery thread, and her 1950s cross stitch picture of “Deer and Fawn” won a blue ribbon at the local fair. Elise was an avid gardener and loved yard work.  Walking outside enjoying God’s creation was something she did daily, and it was rarely too hot or too cold for her not to enjoy her daily walks.

Jaco, Elise’s dog, was her pride and joy after her retirement, treating him like her child, cooking “people” food for him and spoiling him with marshmallows.  After Jaco’s death, her grand dogs, Oliver and Lulu, brought her so much love and joy.

A longtime member of Arlington Baptist Church for 63 years, Elise dearly loved her church, her Sunday School class, and her many friends and church family.  Since moving to the Barclay House of Tarboro, she attended Saint James United Methodist Church, her life was enriched by the sermons and fellowship of the congregation.  Elise was made to feel special and appreciated by her visits from the “Flower Fairies” and members of the Visitation and Remembrance Circle. Rev. Mark Clark brought comfort to Elise with his frequent visits and prayers.

An avid, daily reader of her Bible, Elise memorized many verses in the Bible, her favorite scripture being Psalm 121.  She believed, “God gives us mornings to recover from a night of rest.  Along with a fresh start, we need a fresh prayer for the new day.  We need to be reminded of God’s loving kindness.  David understood this need and relished his morning visits with God – a time to renew trust; a time to seek God’s providence and direction.”

A dedicated and loving mother, Elise loved her children and her granddaughters; however, her great grandchildren held a special place in her heart and brought her great joy.  A beautiful, caring, and devoted woman, she will be deeply missed and never forgotten by all those who knew and loved her.

Elise is survived by her daughter, Dianne Zucker (Robert) of Roanoke Rapids; her son, Jack H. Sykes (Barbara) of Tarboro; her granddaughters, Kimberly Siefert (Bryan) of Greensboro and Elanah Abrams (Allen) of Wake Forest; her great granddaughter, Kate Siefert of Greensboro; her great grandson, Asher Abrams of Wake Forest; and several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dearest friends.

A Graveside Service to celebrate Elise’s life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Rocky Mount Memorial Park with Rev. Mark Clark of Saint James UMC in Tarboro officiating.  Visitation with the family will be following the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital for the excellent service and care provided while she was in the ER and later as a patient at the hospital.  A special thank you goes to the Hospice team for the comfort they provided during her last few days.  They treated her with compassion and dignity.  The palliative care room was comforting to Elise and a blessing to the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elise’s name to a charity or church of one’s choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.