Betty Jean Ates Sykes, 76, of Indianola, died Monday, July 10, 2017 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus.

Betty Jean was born March 11, 1941 in Hattiesburg and was the daughter of Belton Matthew and Vader Oredus Padgett Ates. She attended Delta State University where she was a Delta Belle. Betty Jean was a member of First Baptist Church in Indianola. She was a former member of Indianola Garden Study Club, Indianola Civic League, Explorers Bible Study Group, Bunko Group, Train Group, Bridge Group, and the Jaycettes. Betty Jean worked as a court reporter for Fifth Circuit Court for over 20 years prior to her retirement.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Jimmy Burt "Buddy" Sykes.

Betty Jean leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Greg Sykes and wife Pam of Columbus and Jimmy Sykes and wife Leisha of Southaven; daughter, Debbie Williams and husband Lyle of Grenada; sister, Barbara Sullivan of Mendenhall; and seven grandchildren, Matt Sykes, Hunter Sykes, Sarah Katherine Sykes, Haley Williams, Brandon Williams, Madelyn Sykes, and Mary Kaitlyn Sykes.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, July 12, 2017 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at First Baptist Church in Indianola. A second visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the 11:00 am funeral service Thursday, July 13, 2017 at First Baptist Church in Indianola. Burial will follow in Indianola City Cemetery. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, PO Box 366, Indianola, MS 38751.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.burtonfuneralhome.net