Diana Sykes

On Sunday, August 24, 2025, Diana Sykes (78) of Iraan, Texas went home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a remarkable woman whose warmth, wisdom, and unwavering devotion have left an indelible mark on the lives of all who knew her. In her passing, we mourn the loss of our family’s matriarch, but we celebrate the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind—a legacy woven from countless moments of kindness, resilience, and love.

Diana was born on January 9, 1947, in Fulton, Kentucky to Henry Davis and Helen Newton Davis. Entering this world weighing slightly over one pound and many weeks premature, she defied the odds from the beginning. God’s protection and guidance allowed her to overcome many physical obstacles to become a witness to His glory throughout her life. From an early age, she demonstrated tenacity and generosity that would become hallmarks of her character.

As the daughter of a Baptist minister, she was expected to learn to play the piano to serve in the church where her father pastored. From the age of nine years old until a few weeks before she went home, she served the Lord by playing classic hymns with a flare only she could create. She often said that her hands were devoted to the Lord for His glory. In addition to playing in church, she shared the words and music of hymns with family, neighbors, friends, and residents in nursing homes.

Diana grew up in Tennessee and on December 19, 1965, married her high school sweetheart, Hal Sykes. With opportunities for work present in west Texas during the mid- 1970’s, they moved their young family to Iraan where they lived and worked for many years. Hal went home ahead of her in 2010. They are now reunited in the presence of Jesus. She was also preceded in death by her father Henry Davis, mother Helen Davis, siblings H.I. Davis, Ruthene Davis, and Shelby Davis Atkins. She leaves behind two daughters: Patina Sykes Crowder and husband Dave Crowder, Tammy Sykes Medina and husband Jessy Medina. Her grandchildren include Kullin Alldredge and wife Dustie, Jim Crowder and wife Sydney, J.J. Medina and wife Nayelli, and Glenn Crowder and wife Amanda. She also leaves behind her nephew Gene Atkins and wife Peggy as well as niece Kim Atkins. Diana dearly loved her Tennessee family, children, grandchildren, and three great grandchildren as well as many others who she claimed as family. Many of which called her mom.

Life’s journey was not without its challenges, yet Diana faced each trial with remarkable courage. Her resilience and toughness inspired all those around her. Through illness, loss, or uncertainty, she remained steadfast in faith, always finding a way to persevere and encourage those she loved.

Beyond her devotion to family and community, Diana nurtured interests that enriched her life and those of others. She was a lover of gardening, knitting, and caring for her cat MoMo. She found joy in making useful items and sharing them with family and friends. She loved to visit with her neighbors and spent hours talking to family on the phone who lived far away.

The values Diana held dear were evident in every aspect of her life. Honesty, kindness, gratitude, and faith were not mere words, but living truths she embodied. She taught us to greet each day with optimism; to treat every person we met with respect, and to cherish the fleeting moments that make up a lifetime.

Her wisdom was gentle yet profound. She reminded us that happiness is most often found in simple things: a good meal, the laughter of children, the words of a favorite hymn, or a heartfelt conversation. She taught us to follow the Lord, to work hard, and to always point people to Jesus.

We remember her laughter, her music, the sparkle in her eyes, and the gentle touch of her hand. We remember her unwavering faith, her quiet dignity, and her boundless joy for life. Above all, we remember her love—a love that was steadfast, healing, and true.

As we say goodbye, we do so with hearts full of gratitude for the time we shared. We honor her by living as she lived—with faith, kindness, courage, and compassion. Though our grief is deep, so too is our thankfulness for having been loved by such an extraordinary woman.

May we find comfort in knowing that Diana’s love surrounds us still—in every pretty flower, every shared smile, every act of goodness. In her memory, let us strive to live lives worthy of her example, and may the spirit of the Lord that she shared with all continue to illuminate our path. You are forever cherished, forever missed, and forever loved.

Graveside service will be held on September 27, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Iraan Cemetery.

A fellowship meal will follow at the Iraan First Baptist Church.

In leu of flowers, please consider contributing to Samaritan’s Purse: Operation Christmas Child at First Baptist Iraan or Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital.