Emerson Sykes "Showcase"

Mr. Emerson Sykes was born May 1, 1943 in Sunflower, Mississippi to Mint and Inola Sykes. He went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 5, 2020 at the age of 76 years.

Emerson, known as “Showcase”, came to Saginaw as a young man and found employment with the General Motors Corporation. He retired after 40 years of service.

Showcase was a dedicated and faithful member of New Mount Calvary Baptist Church, where he was President of The Brotherhood Ministry. He would be at service on Sunday, Bible Study on Wednesday, and he also made his presence known in Sunday School. He loved his pastor, Alfred L. Harris, Jr. and First Lady Simone. Brother Sykes always showed loved to each and every member in the church. He was also a well-loved visitor at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Southland, Arkansas where the pastor is Reverend M. Curine.

Showcase loved all sports, but his favorite was bowling. He was given the name Showcase by his longtime friend Onious Matthews “Pony” because he liked to show off a lot. Emerson was part of a traveling bowling league organized in 1990 and was comprised of eight members. He was the club treasurer since its inception and an organizer of the Battle of the Sexes Tournament held every December. Showcase bowled in several leagues over the years, with two perfect games (300) to his credit.

Showcase was very dependable, outspoken, trustworthy and full of faith. He was a giver and helped many relatives and friends over the years. He was a people person and loved his family and he will truly be missed.

Showcase was preceded in death by his daughter, Lamonica Sykes; parents, Mint and Inola Sykes; sister, Patricia Scott; brothers, William, Thomas and Clarence Sykes.

He leaves to cherish his memory two children, Vivian Davis, Sunflower, Mississippi, Andre Short, Memphis, Tennessee; stepchildren, Michael (Cheryl) Brantley, Decatur, Georgia, Dennis (Gladys) Jackson, West Memphis, Arkansas, Angela Rone, Charlotte, North Carolina; siblings, Bobby (Susie) Sykes, Chicago, Illinois, Freddie Sykes, Saginaw, Michigan, Shirley Sykes, Coco Beach, Florida, Dorothy Brown, Defiance, Ohio, Brenda Lee, Tacoma, Washington, Cynthia Sykes, Calumet City, Illinois; special cousin, Clora Beasly, Chicago, Illinois; loving partner, Bobbie Jackson; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends, including best friends Curtis Riggins, Onioius Matthews “Pony”, Roy Gaines and Bennie Cooper.

The family would like to express special thanks to Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.