Velda Jane Sykes Swain

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Velda Jane Sykes Swain, 57, of Manila, Ark., went to heaven Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House after a courageous fight with cancer. She was born Oct. 2, 1954, in Osceola, Ark., to the late Charles and Kathleen Sykes who died when she was five years old. She was raised by her grandparents, the late Frank and Althea Westmorlan.

Ms. Swain was a member of the Manila Church of Christ, a beloved teacher for 30 years at West Memphis Christian School, liked to read and play with her dogs. She was a very special teacher and loved her students and they loved her.

Survivors include her cousin and best friend, Shawn Westmorlan Presson and husband Ty of Manila; cousin, Maegan Presson McDaniel of Jonesboro; best friend from high school, Kay Wells of Ravenden, Ark.; many friends from West Memphis Christian School and a host of other family and friends.

A special thanks from Ms. Swain to all her caregivers, prayer angels, students--former and present, church family, and WMCS family.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Manila Church of Christ with Mr. Michael Chaffin officiating. The family requests private disposition under the direction of Faith Funeral Service.