  Dina Lynn Jones Sykes, 78, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, departed this life on Friday, January 27, 2023 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 25, 1944 in Pampa, Texas, daughter of Owen and Betty Jones. She was married to the love of her life, Ronald D. Sykes, on May 26, 1975 in Valley View, Texas. Their marriage was blessed by Dina's first born son from a previous marriage, Walter Tom Chernosky; and 3 of their children: Christie Lynn, and twins, Landon Kyle and Lori Shannon. Dina grew up in multiple west Texas towns before moving to Dallas in 1957. She graduated from W.H. Adamson High School in 1962. She briefly attended college and had a long career with ARCO Oil & Gas Co. in Dallas and Plano, Texas, where she and Ronnie reared their children. Dina was an avid reader, and she loved bluebonnets, mesquite trees, Blue Bell ice cream and pralines. She never met a stranger and always had a special way of making people feel welcome and at ease. She had a love for God and a light that shined through her actions, as she was always the first to help anyone in needs. As a devout Christian, Dina possessed an inner strength and faith that sustained her through many challenging life situations. For years, she attended a Messianic Jewish congregation, as well as Cornerstone Baptist Church in Plano. Dina even traveled to Israel 3 times to experience/learn more about the history of Jesus and walk where he had walked. Not only a dedicated Christian, wife, and mother, she was also a true friend to many. Those who had the opportunity to know her often reflect on the impact she had in their lives. To quote one of our relatives in a recent message to us: "Her sould was simply gentle, kind, gracious and full of love. Later in life the family moved to Albuquerque where she and Ronnie cared for her aging mother for many years. Over the past 10-15 years, Dina herself struggled with a slow delcine due to dementia. Ronnie has tenderly cared for Dina with the help of Home Instead Services and the medical team from Heartland Hospice w hen her condition further declined. Dinal is survived by her husband of Albuquerque, New Mexico; her 3 sisters, Cindy Griffin of Sherman, Texas; Jonne Eichhorn and husband, Phillip, M.D. of Placitas, New Mexico; and Lisa Simpson of Farmers Branch, Texas. She is also survived by her children: son, Walter Chernosky of Latham, New York; daughters, Christie Danner and Lori Sykes of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and son, Landon Sykes of Austin, Texas. She has 4 surviving grandchildren: James, Corina, Chessa and Talyn of Latham, New York. Dina is predeceased by her parents and her infant twin sister. The entire family is grateful to all who cared for Dina. We want to say a special thanks to our loving family member, Marsha Kay Perry-Fletcher, who came from Texas to care for Dina for extended periods when times were most difficult. What a blessing! Also special thanks to Dina's daughter, Christie, her companion, Benjamin Vickers, Phillip and Jonne Eichhorn for their love and support to the entire Sykes family. The service for Dina was held Monday afternoon, February 6, 2023 at Waldo Funeral Home in Sherman, Texas with interment at Friendship Cemetery, Sherman, Texas.   Friendship Cemetery Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any of Grayson County TXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message. |