Obituary of Marilyn Sykes

Marilyn passed away on February 18, 2020. She was born on January 17, 1957 to the late John and Eugina Gokey in Bay City, Michigan. She was an avid music lover and especially enjoyed live music events. She nurtured dozens of house plants and spoiled her chihuahuas, Paco and Lily. She preferred being outdoors and collected rocks which she often painted and planted around for neighbors, friends, and strangers to find. She was an excellent cook and took great pleasure in feeding people, particularly comfort foods. Her specialties were biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak, and potato salad. She is mourned by her children, Timothy Reed of Bay City, Jill Hill and son in law Darrin Hill of Edmond, Oklahoma as well as their children Silas, Reed, and Evangelyn, and several nieces and nephews that adored her and whose adoration was reciprocated. She is survived by her second husband, John Sykes of Evart, Michigan. Though not her partner at the time of her death, she carried a deep affection for him. She was predeceased by her husband, Timothy Andrews Reed, her brother, John Gokey, Jr., and her former partner, Travis Farris of Boise City, Oklahoma. Her family takes great solace in Marilyn's reunion with three of the most important men in her life in addition to her parents. Though she did not profess a Christian faith, she lived by many of the teachings of Jesus and other renowned religious philosophers. Marilyn was generous with her love. She cared deeply for her loved ones and selflessly gave more than she expected in return. She laughed loudly and made new acquaintances easily. She was also too modest to admit to any of these virtues. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com All sympathy store items must be sent directly to the family home.