Earnestine Sykes, age 81, passed away January 9, 2026 at her home in Fort Wayne, IN. She was born in Marion, Alabama to the late General Jackson and Fannie Burnett. Earnestine owned and operated her own childcare business. She will be remembered for the selfless love she showed the children she cared for. Earnestine was a member of Waynedale Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.

She is survived by her children, Elijah Swann, Janice (Tyrone) Walker, Elizabeth Wilson, Daniel (Sabrina) Swann, and Andre (Jana) Sykes; 13 grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren; siblings, J.C. (Kathy) Jackson, Robert (Patricia) Jackson, Annie Holiness, Jesse (Shanelle) Jackson, William Hogue, Mary Kate Hogue, Kenny Burnett, Walter (Beryl) Greene, and L.C. Greene.

Earnestine was preceded in death by her daughter, Annette Swann; and son-in-law, Gerald Wilson.

A memorial gathering will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to the worldwide work of the Jehovah's Witnesses online via donate.jw.org