Ethel Alene Sykes age 89 of Galax, Va. passed away Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at her home. Mrs. Sykes was born in Galax, Va. on April 10, 1919 to Jasper Lee & Louvenia Lowe Payne. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Royal Sykes. She is survived by her sons & daughters-in-law Bobby & Linda Sykes of Galax, Va.; Larry & Faye Sykes of Laurel Fork, Va.; James & Sandy Sykes of Greensboro, N.C.; thirteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews. The funeral service will be held Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 12:00 o'clock noon at Vaughan-Guynn Chapel with Rev. Myron Dalton officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from eleven until time for the service at Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home.