Carolyn Ann Parker Sykes, age 79 of Sanford, passed away at her home on Friday (2/13/2026).  She was born in Lee County, daughter of the late Lawrence Curtis Parker and Hortense Iris Davis Parker.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Curtis Ray Parker and her granddaughter Zoe Ann Sykes.  Carolyn was a strong woman of faith and was very active at Antioch Baptist Church in Lillington.  She was a member of the church choir, Joy Class, Happy Travelers, Threads of Love quilting group and bible study.  She was a charter member of the Woman's Club of Broadway where she served several offices including treasurer and president. Carolyn worked at the dental office in Broadway, Mimi's on Main Street and for many years, at the office of Dr. Charles Sikes, Optometrist in Lillington.  She was a wonderful cook, and her grandchildren especially loved her meatloaf and cheese biscuits.  The Town of Broadway was very special to Carolyn, and if you ever lived in town, you would see her and Fred on their daily walks each morning.  She loved to go shopping, travel to the beach, had a great shoe collection, was known to wear cheetah prints and never left home without her lipstick.   She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and a friend to all who knew and loved her.  Surviving is her beloved husband of 60 years, Fred Alonzo Sykes of the home; son, Jon Sykes of Broadway, NC; daughter, Kristin Sykes Fleming and husband Robert Loyd Fleming III of Sanford, NC; grandchildren, Caroline Elizabeth Fleming and Andrew Paul Fleming both of Raleigh ,NC ; sister, Jeanette Wester of Lillington, NC; sister-in-law, Brenda Faye Sykes Campbell of Liberty, NC and several nieces and nephews.  The family will receive friends at Antioch Baptist Church, 6670 Old US 421 Lillington, NC from 11:00am -12:45 pm on Wednesday (2/18/2026).  A graveside service will follow in the church cemetery at 1:00pm with Rev. Todd Moore, Senior Pastor officiating.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Happy Travelers Group or the Threads of Love at Antioch Baptist Church.  Online condolences can be made at www.smithfuneralhomebroadway.com Arrangements are by Smith Funeral Home, Broadway Inc.