Joann Sykes passed away on April 25, 2026. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and sister.

Joann was born in Columbus, Mississippi, and later moved to Akron, Ohio, where she attended Akron Public Schools and graduated from Buchtel High School.

Joann worked in the nursing home field as a member of the laundry staff, where she took great pride in her work and the care she provided.

She enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, including drinking her coffee, reading books, completing fill-in puzzles with her colorful pens, and playing scratch-off lottery tickets.

Joann was preceded in death by her two sons, Gerald Sykes and Derrick Sykes, and her mother, Willie Mea Sykes.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughter, Pebbles Sykes; her grandchildren, Tony (Jasmine) Sykes, Uniquia Sykes, Unity Sykes, and Devin Sykes; ten great-grandchildren; and her life companion, George Snipes. She is also survived by her sisters, Linda Sykes and Rosie (Gregory) Clark; her brother, Lewis (Sonya) Edwards; her bonus grandson, Donte Lloyd; her bonus daughter-in-law, Monica Brantley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Sommerville Funeral Services, 1695 Diagonal Rd. Akron, Oh 44320. Funeral service will immediately follow.