Cozy Louise (Whaley) Sykes 1918-1937

The entire community was saddened by the death of Mrs. Harold Franklin Sykes, Jr., which occurred February 5, 1937, at the home of her parents, Joseph Cleve Whaley & Ona Largent Whaley, a few hours after the arrival of her infant son.

The flood waters were still fast and high, covering the roadways to and from the city keeping Dr. Crow from being there for the birth.

Mrs. Sykes, formerly Miss Cozy Louise Whaley, was born May 21, 1918, and was only 18 years, 6 months, and 14 days years of age. She formerly attended Dover High School, where she was a favorite among the entire student body. She was a member of the Dover Christian church and for the past several years had been a faithful and energetic worker in church activities. Her cheerful disposition and interest in church and social affairs had made her many friends to whom her passing is the source of great sorrow.
She had a lovely singing voice and shared this gift with the Dover First Christian Church each Sunday.

Impressive funeral services were conducted by the Rev. W.L. Armstrong, pastor of the Dover Methodist Church, Sunday afternoon, February 7, 1937, at 2 pm, at the Dover Christian Church.

The following friends served as active pallbearer; Carter, Grady and Hiram Wallace, Billy McElroy, Leroy Cherry, and Glenn Moore. The senior class of Dover High School, as an honorary group, sat in a reserved section in the church. Members of the Brandon-Gleaners Sunday School class, of which she was a member, were flower girls. A vocal solo, "In The Garden", was rendered by Miss Lois Walter.

Survivors besides her husband, an infant son (Terry O. Sykes), her parents, Joseph Cleve Whaley and Ona Largent Whaley; one brother, Russell (Jack) P Whaley; and one sister, Iona Maxine Whaley, (all of Dover, Tn).

Interment was in the new (Dover) city cemetery. Milligan and Ridgeway Undertakers were in charge of funeral arrangements.

Source: Stewart Houston Times Newspaper, Vol. 19, No. 2, dated February 1937.