Lea Tuwana Sykes was born in St. Louis, Missouri at Homer G. Phillips to the union of Andre Turner and Jo Ann Sykes on November 25, 1969. Both parents and her brother Bryant Lamont Sykes, preceded her in death.

As a child Lea was quiet and soft-spoken but also quick witted and highly advanced intellectually. By the age of two-years-old Lea could easily recite her ABCs and numbers with ease. At the age of 9, she was baptized when she declared Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.

Her natural gift was working in the service of people. This was exemplified through her mentoring, nursing and sharing of knowledge. Lea, named
after her paternal grandmother, possessed many of her grandmother's characteristics: a similar soft voice, loving gestures, and like her
grandmother she went on to pursue a degree in the field of healing. Lea graduated as a Registered Nurse from Passaic County Community College in May of 1997.

Lea served for 35 years as a nurse in various capacities. In her profession she was intentional and conscientious towards her patients while serving them with dignity, respect and compassion. Lea possessed acute sensitivity, humanity and empathy; attributes so greatly treasured in the
health care industry.

She saw beauty in the simplest of things. Lea was adventurous and enjoyed visiting the ocean. She enjoyed taking trips, golfing and spending time in nature and possessed a special fondness for gardening. She was gifted with a natural green thumb, Lea could grow almost anything. She was known for her beautiful flowers and delicious vegetables. Lea's garden was her own personal sanctuary where she spent hours caring for her plants and connecting to the earth. Lea chose to live life to the fullest.

Another fun pastime of Lea's was baseball. She often frequented the stadium watching the Springfield Cardinals, which was her favorite team
over the years. She also enjoyed participating in the Shriner's parades.

Family was very important to Lea. She was a devoted sister to Felicia Habersham; who was both her sister and best friend. The sisters looked out for each other throughout their entire lives. Lea would spend every opportunity she had with family and friends. She was compassionate, caring and gracious with her family, loved ones and friends.

Lea Tuwana leaves to honor her memory, the love of her life, son Bernard Toure' Moore, her partner Jim Gray, siblings: Felicia Habersham, Erica
Strong, Emmath Echols, Shawn Walker, Michael Ford, LaKisha Robinson, Dorothy Sykes, Martin Jeffrey Harmon, and Antoinette Turner, also many
friends, co-workers, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Lea will be missed for all the beauty she shared with the world. She leaves a legacy of humanity, goodness and love.

The family of Lea T. Sykes is touched and greatly appreciative of all the love that has been extended to us by words, deeds and thoughts. A special thanks to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services.