Dina Lynn Jones Sykes

(August 25, 1944 - January 27, 2023)

Dina Lynn Jones Sykes 78, of Albuquerque, NM, departed this life on Friday, January 27, 2023 at home surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on August 25, 1944 in Pampa, TX to Owen and Betty Jones.  Dina is predeceased by her parents and her infant twin sister.  She is survived by her three sisters, Cindy June, Jonne Elaine, and Lisa Ruth.  She was married to the love of her life, Ronald D. Sykes on May 26, 1974 in Valley View, TX. Their marriage was blessed by Dina's first born son from a previous marriage, Walter Tom Chernosky, and three of their children: Christie Lynn, and twins Landon Kyle, and Lori Shannon.

Dina is survived by her husband, Ronald D, Sykes of Albuquerque, NM,  her three sisters: Cindy Griffin of Sherman, TX, Jonne and spouse Phillip Eichhorn, M.D. of Placitas, NM, and Lisa Simpson of Farmers Branch, TX.  She is also survived by her children: son, Walter Chernosky of Latham, NY, daughters Christie Danner and Lori Sykes of Albuquerque, NM, and son Landon Sykes of Austin, TX.  She has four surviving grandchildren: James, Corina, Chessa, and Talyn of Latham, NY.

Dina grew up in multiple west Texas towns before moving to Dallas, TX in 1957.  She graduated from W H Adamson HS in 1962.  She briefly attended college, and had a long career with ARCO Oil & Gas Company in Dallas and Plano, TX, 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 need. 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 three 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 soul 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 decline due to dementia.   Ronnie has tenderly cared for Dina with the help of Home Instead Services and the medical team from Heartland Hospice when her condition further declined. 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 will be held on Monday, February 6, 2023 at Waldo Funeral Home in Sherman, TX at 2:00 P.M.  with interment at Friendship Cemetery, Sherman, TX.