Share a Memory:
Upon submitting your memory, please refresh your page to view your condolences.
Your content has been submitted
An error occurred. Try again later
Condolences:
Allean Gilyard
Mary was a wonderful person and friend.I miss her.
Jan McClane Nabors
A huge loss to our community. Such a beautiful soul. She set a great example We will all miss Mary!.
Mack and Mary Jones
Dear Friend, you will be missed by many! May God hold you close, until we meet again.
Roger & Ronnie Wasik
We will miss the lady with the nicest smile and the biggest hug.
Paula E. Morris
This, really, hurts. Mary was one of the most genuine individuals that I've known. She loved people and, always, gave that hug that, literally, took your breathe away. Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Thomas and Paula Morris
Eden Rewa
Mrs. Sikes was a beautiful and giving soul. I had only met her a few times but it was always at Crescendo Amelia performances where she supported her local musicians. She would greet me with a hug and smile every time. It was a blessing to have someone so involved and supportive of the community in my life and many others’. She will be missed.
Joe East
Momma Sikes, she was a mother to all. Our loss is the Heaven's magnificent gain. The loving selfless humanity that she symbolized is only seen in few people that walk this earth. She was an extraordinary woman and my family and myself were blessed to have known her and be a part of her life.
John Adams
Mama sikes was not only a band mom, she was also a huge supporter of the youth soccer back in my day and several others. She was a champion, a believer, a strong reminder of how to give into people. No one will be able to replace her 20 second hug. One time I asked about why she hugged so long and explained in a simple way that it calms people down and takes away their anxiety. Later I learned that those 20 second hugs actually release oxytocin in the body proven by medical science to reduce depression and anxiety. I'll always miss her hugs and smile. She was so good to so many. What a legacy to leave.
Rachel boyette
She was the kindest people there when she seen me she always greeted me with a huge smile and a hug she will be greatly missed
Jessica McCrimmon
Momma Sikes was such an amazing person, mentor, and friend. Her hugs could brighten the darkest days and cheer you up no matter what the problem was. One of the things I loved most is that Momma Sikes didn't just care for you while you were at FBHS. She went above and beyond and kept up with me through out college at UCF, my employment with the crime unit, and even with my moves to MT and AK. I loved catching up when I came home to visit. She had such a beautiful soul. Heaven is lucky to have her and her wonderful hugs. My condolences to her family. She will be incredibly missed but never forgotten.
Leslie Rahberg
When I think of Mary Sikes, I am reminded of the Bible story that teaches us not to hide our light but to share it with others. Mary certainly shined her light on our community. She will be missed by so many but anyone who received a "Mama Sikes" bear hug, or one of her beautiful smiles, felt her light and love. ches us not to hide our light but to share it with others.
Sarah Coombs
Mary had the biggest heart and the most amazing work ethic! She loved all, especially her “kids”, and most of all her family. She took pride in everything she did and was always willing to drop what she was doing to lend a helping hand. her devotion and dedication was special and so was she. Big “Mary hugs” to all who loved her.
Mandy and Mitch Purvis
Truly one of the kindest people we ever had the privilege to meet. She was always ready with a hug and welcoming smile. FBHS has lost a special member of the Pirates family. She will be missed.
Karen Hyers
She was a true blessing! Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Rob Taylor
Mary had a wonderful spirit and was a kind soul. And a legend at FBHS. A big loss for our community.
MiChel C.
She filled emptiness with her joy.
Phyllis Davis
Miss Mary will be missed by so many. She loved and adored her "kids" and I thank her family for sharing her with the rest of us. Everytime I saw her she would give me a big Mary hug and would ask how my daughter, Sarah who graduated in 2008, was doing. The community is just a little less for her passing.
Joseph Monaghan
Mary was a selfless angel. I will remember her always when I think of FBHS. God bless you, Mary. Thank you, kind soul, and rest in the knowledge that your life mattered.
Annette Myers
A remarkable lady always wanting to lend a helping hand at FBHS and elsewhere. There was love and beauty in her character. She will be missed.
Dianne Febles
The community has lost a dedicated servant. Mary made my me smile and always helped every teacher in any way she could. She truly loved her job and demonstrated reliability and enthusiasm every day. Rest In Peace, dear Mary.
V. LaDonna James
Mama Sikes as she was affectionately know was a very special person. Anyone who knew and was blessed to receive one of her hugs was instantly family. She never met a strange and loved all from her pure heart. You were a true jewel and a blessings to all you HS the honor and pleasure of knowing mama Mary Sikes.
Pam King
My deepest condolences to the family of Mary Sikes. I met her with my late husband, Ronnie and our son. Danny wanted to play soccer and no other sports. She tirelessly lined the field first at Emma Love and then the soccer field at Ybor Alvarez. She was definitely a light to all who met her.R I P, give one of your HUGS to Ronnie when you see him.
Jenifer Lafontaine Davis
I'm so glad I got to see you last week! That hug will be my favorite memory! Momma Sikes will truly be missed!
.
Momma Sikes always had a beautiful smile and a hug that felt like home. She’ll truly be missed.
Kala Mitchell
Joy, that’s what you gave to each and every person you encountered. I had the pleasure of receiving one of those ICONIC hugs on June 10th and you held me so tight. I will always cherish those hugs. Mama Sikes you will truly be missed and your beautiful soul and good works will forever be your legacy.
Bob & Kim Lunt
We are sad about the loss of Mary. She had a perpetual hug and smile for everyone! Her devotion to FBHS and the students was special and we will all miss her!
Ramie Jones
Momma Sikes I KNOW walked to Jesus and gave him one of her FAMOUS hugs we all loved and are going to miss. Such an amazing spirit and sweet soul. Love you ❤️
Mrs Spikes was a very nice lady. She was help all the FBHS student in any classes. I am praying for you and the rest of the Spikes family
Roy D. Wynn
Although she wasn't my mother in-law for very many years. She always treated me with kindness. Just want to express my condolences to the entire family. Prayers for the entire family!
Rachel Davis
We will all miss momma Sikes. Heavens angels are receiving her famous hugs!
Belinda Wagnstrom
Heaven has received another angel. Mary will be missed but never forgotten Prayers to her family.
Debbi Milligan Roland
Miss Mary was always that welcoming face at FBHS. She was the one person who could brighten your day with one of her famous hugs. She will be greatly missed. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Ralph Watson
Mary Beth, so sorry to hear of Miss Mary passing she will be missed Frances and I are praying for comfort for you and family
Margaret Scott
Oh my! what a loss to this town and the world! No one was more loving, kind, friendly and giving than Mary! Her tenacity gave birth to youth soccer, her "love of the kids" kept her involved with band for many years after her own son was long gone from FBHS. Her guiding hand meant so much to so many, and her HUGS will never be forgotten! Charlie and family, thank you for sharing such a marvelous person with SO many. She can rest now, but I'm sure she's busy giving hugs to all who go to heaven before her! Bless you.
Martha M. Conn
Mary Sikes was a unique person that everybody trusted and loved. I am happy to have been her friend. She would ask "What do you need or need done?" and then she would roll up her sleeves and get it done. I appreciate her children sharing Mary with us locals. You are in our prayers and the two close friends I met with her, we are praying for your loss too. Mary was an original. They don't make people like her anymore. Love, Martha
Anna Saxon Wall
I will never forget the love you could feel in her hugs.
Kristine Duncan- Wortham
I’ve known Mary since I was 5. My brother and Charlie were best friends and we all graduated together. She helped establish the Amelia Island Youth Soccer League along with my dad. She was our Soccer “Mom” and our Band “Mom” once we hit high school. She watched us grow up and she was able to see my daughter grow up. I will miss those big bear hugs that she was always giving us. We knew she loved each and every one of us. Mary will be missed beyond words. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Charlie and the entire family. We love you!
Peggy T
Mary was such a wonderful woman! I never saw anything but a big smile on her face. My condolences to the family of precious Mary.
Sheryl Harper
A fine lady who poured her life into the band students in Fernandina Beach. Go rest high on that mountain Mary.
Susan Markiw, PT
Mary was one of my first patients at Nassau General in 1992. She was such a sweet person and hard worker. Over the years whenever I saw her, she wiould give me a big hug and thank me for helping her during her injury. Such a devoted lady to the FBHS band. She will be missed.
Susane Spencer
I will miss your laughter and heart
Marilyn Eflein
A friend and co-worker for many years at FBHS. A wonderful caring personality who will be missed by all her friends.
Carrie Steel
My deepest condolences to Charlie and his family. I was very sad to hear of Mary's passing. Mary was one of the sweetest people I knew. She always had a smile on her face, she was always upbeat and positive. She was the founding force behind starting youth soccer on the island. Mary gave the best hugs of anyone I knew. I will miss those hugs and seeing her around town.
Sydney G
Mrs. Sikes was a tremendously kind woman, she went to all of my musical theatre performances and gave me the biggest hugs. Sending love.
Randy Smith
Charlie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. She had a wonderful soul.
Mary E. Sikes
2022-07-14
Mary Elsie Sikes, 81, passed away on July 14, 2022 at Baptist Medical Center in Fernandina Beach.
Mary was born on June 30, 1941, in Dekalb County Georgia. She is a graduate of Tucker High School in Tucker, Georgia and Massey College.
Mary moved to Fernandina Beach in 1977. Among the many places she worked and volunteered when she settled in the community, her greatest contribution, pride, and joy was when she became part of the Fernandina Beach High School family, especially the Mighty Marching Pirate Band. Her “light” that she left with everyone she met created the legacy that will live permanently in our hearts. She will always be known by her “kids” as Momma Sikes.
Mary was predeceased by father, William Guy Hudson, mother, Sarah Elsie Bailey Hudson, and husband James Sikes.
She is leaves behind her sister Barbara Hudson Moon, brother William Guy Hudson Jr., daughters Theresa (Randall) Lynn King, Mary Elizabeth Douglas and son Charles (Tanya) Larry Mosher, grandsons Michael Gordon Molter and Coleman James Mosher. Also, her sister-in-love, Debbie “Trouble” Lankford.
A visitation for Mary will be held Thursday, July 21, 2022, from 4:00 – 5:00 pm at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. Services will follow at 5:00 pm in the Burgess Chapel.
Rather than flowers, the Mary Elsie Sikes Mighty Marching Pirate Scholarship has been created to establish the legacy of “Momma Sikes” and her giving spirit. The Sikes family would love for you to honor her memory by donating to the Mighty Marching Pirates, P.O. Box 17024, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035. Please include “Mary Sikes Memorial” on your donation.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com
OXLEY-HEARD FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Memories