Apostle Calvin F Sykes

On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, Apostle Calvin F. Sykes, Sr. made his escape from the body that was unable to afford him residence anymore. He was born November 14, 1943 to the late Elder Joe C. and Mother Truemiller Sykes. He had six sisters (three older deceased) and one brother. He was reared in a section of Columbia, NC called Alligator in Tyrrell County and graduated Tyrrell High School in May 1962. Upon graduation, he moved to New Jersey and worked several jobs of which one was the Library at Princeton University. While working there, he was drafted into the Army April 1965; spent most of this time in the war in Viet Nam. On September 3, 1967 after being blessed to get back home, he married his love that he had known since seventh grade. Soon after that he moved to Norfolk and became employed at Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock, Norfolk, VA. There he attended the Apprentice School and worked for 38+ years until retirement in 2006. In November 1970 he experienced the new birth and became a new creation in Christ. He joined Tabernacle of God Holiness Church of Divine Healing, Norfolk, VA. In 1972, ordained a deacon; March 1974, he was licensed to preach the gospel; May 1977, ordained an elder; in 1980, appointed Overseer; in 1992, designated Vice Bishop; May 1998, consecrated as Bishop; June 2018 appointed Apostle; September 2020 received Doctor of Divinity. He was the Presiding Prelate of the New Tabernacle of God Holiness Churches and Pastor of Trinity Tabernacle Ministries in Newport News, VA. He enjoyed encouraging people to trust God. As the Holy Spirit enlightened him with knowledge of the word, he was willing to pour it out on anybody that would listen. His love for all people was evident in his love for Jesus. He could see good in everybody. He displayed the love of God always in his Christian life. He put 100% in living for Christ. He is with Jesus and with approval of his wife, Heddy B. Sykes, who is very saddened but understands his decision to release this earthly life to receive his eternal reward. His daughter Karen Sykes Harris and three sisters, Eva Bowser, Lucy Jennings, and Virginia Andrews preceded him in death. His love is still here for other family members; Wife (Heddy), children: Calvin F. Sykes, Jr. (Marquita) Portsmouth, VA; Brenda King (Bob) and Linda Ziglar (James) of Winston Salem, NC; Stacey Respass (Sandra) Newport News, VA; sisters, Fannie Morris of Knightdale, NC, Martha Vickers of Trenton, NJ, Recel Bowser of Columbia, NC; brother Apostle Arnold Earl Sykes (Doris) of Elizabeth City, NC; 12 grandchildren; 8 great grands and a host of nieces nephews and friends,

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Apostle Calvin F Sykes

November 14, 1943 - October 29, 2024