Chesapeake - Willis Rayfield Sykes of the 1100 block of Johnstown Road entered into eternal rest, December 16, 2006, and went home to be with the Lord. He was a native of Chesapeake and he retired after working for 25 years. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and an usher.



He is survived by his wife Ella L. Sykes of the home, two daughters, Lydia James (Ervin) and Shirley Jones (Morris), all of Chesapeake; one sister, Amanda Reid of Virginia Breach; one brother, Rev. Samuel Sykes (Naomi) of Chesapeake; four grandchildren, Rev. Jonathan James, Brittany James, Heather Jones and Monica Jones; mother-in-law, Mary B. Allbritton; sisters-in-law, Pauline Smith, Willie Mae Sykes, Christine Allbritton, and Deloris Moyler; brothers-in-law, Samuel Allbritton (Mae), Marvin Allbritton (Ann), and Robert Allbritton (Beverly), a host of nephews, nieces, and friends. He was preceded in death by five brothers and two sisters.



A funeral service will be held Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, 3841 Bunch Walnuts Road, Chesapeake. Interment will follow at the Sykes Family Cemetery. Viewing will be held Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake.