Dianne Sykes

   Dr. Dianne Sykes, age 68 of Shelby, NC, was welcomed home by her Lord and Savior on December 11, 2023.

   She is survived by her sons, Scott Sykes (Shelby) and Don Erdmann (New London, Wisconsin), as well as numerous friends, students and colleagues from multiple states.

   Born November 10, 1955 in King County, Washington, Dianne was the daughter of the late Frank Lee South and Betty Ann Mercer, and was preceded in death by one sister Kathy A South.

   Dianne Sykes was an inspiration and a mentor to innumerable students over her 33-year career in higher education. Her passion for helping each student reach his/her highest potential extended to all who came under her tutelage.

   In addition to Dianne’s dedication to teaching, she had a life-time love and passion for animals. Throughout her life, she rescued the neglected and abandoned. She was involved with local and out of state rescues, giving her gifts of time and resources to help the most vulnerable of God’s creatures, and to be a good steward of His command to have dominion of every living creature.

   A Celebration of Life service will be held on January 6, 2024 at 2 PM at Cleveland Funeral Services & Crematory at 2518 West Dixon Blvd. in Shelby, NC. A private burial will take place at a later date.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Clifford’s Army Rescue Extravaganza, Shelby, NC at www.cliffordsarmyrescue.com.

   To sign the guest book, please go to www.clevelandfuneralservices.com.