Mary Lynn Sykes

Mary Lynn Sykes, age 96, went to her eternal home on May 23, 2022. “Mer”, as she was referred to by her loved ones, was resilient, patient, graceful, soft-spoken, and faithful. She loved the Lord, her family, the church, and the community.

Mary was born January 20, 1926, in Ballinger, Texas to Estes McCain Lynn and Armour McGregor Lynn. She was a graduate of Ballinger High School where she was a Bearcat cheerleader. She went on to study at Stevens College in Columbia, Missouri.

After college, Mary returned home to Ballinger where initially she worked alongside her father, Estes. Around the time of the conclusion of World War II, she began dating Billy C. Sykes, another lifelong resident of Ballinger. They were married on December 27, 1947.  Together they initially took up residence in Ballinger before moving to Ft. Sumner, New Mexico to operate family ranchland. It was there that Mary fed many cowboys and earned the reputation of being one of the best cooks in Texas and New Mexico. Mary and Bill had three children and eventually returned to Ballinger where they planted their roots, raised their family, and continued their ranching business.

Mary was a devoted member of the community. She served in many capacities while raising her three children, including being a den mother for Boy Scouts and serving Meals on Wheels. Carrying forward her father’s work, she and other faithful members of the community tirelessly committed themselves to the restoration of the historic Carnegie Library. Today, the library has a beautiful auditorium bearing her name in recognition of her efforts. Mary was also a faithful life-long member of First Presbyterian Church of Ballinger, where she became the first female Elder in the history of the church.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Estes and Armor Lynn; husband, Billy C. Sykes; daughter, Alison Sykes; daughter-in-law, Deborah D. Sykes; brother, Dr. Jack Lynn; and sisters, Clara Beth Black, and Cordelia Brown.

Mary is survived by her sons Ted Sykes of Houston and Tom Sykes of Granbury. Additionally, she is survived by her grandchildren, Tanner Sykes and wife Jennifer of Houston, Leslie Pair and husband Jeff Pair of Glen Rose, Zach Nichols of Houston, Brighton Ahmed of Woodbury, New Jersey, and Audrey Sykes of Houston. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Luke McCain Sykes, Sawyer Sykes, Jill Pair, John Stryker Pair, Cade Sykes, Luna Sykes, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Ballinger on Saturday, June 25, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Mary Sykes to the Carnegie Library of Ballinger at 204 N. 8 ^th Street, Ballinger, Texas 76821.