Brenda Sykes Fitts

Brenda Sykes Fitts, 76, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Duke University Medical Center.  A native of Alamance County, she was born March 6, 1947 to the late William Henry Collins and Iris Gray Conklin Phillips and was the wife of 4 years to John Raymond Fitts of the home.

“Brenda was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.  She owned and operated a beauty salon for more than 30 years in Burlington.  She was devoted to her family and was full of joy and laughter, bringing smiles to all that knew her.  She also loved dogs and particularly her poodles, Sailor and Angel.  Her legacy will live on through her family.”

Survivors include her husband, John; son, Timothy “Tim” Sykes (Lynne); son-in-law, James “Jim” Emery; grandchildren, Jacob Standafer (Erin Parker), Loryn Sykes (Frank) and Lindsey Sykes; great grandchildren, Hudson, Tatum and Banks Standafer and Ruby Sykes; step children, John Fitts (April), Susan Nero (Thomas), Sandy Silva (Robert), Nancy Butters (Michael) and Sean Fitts; ten step grandchildren, one step great granddaughter; twin brother, Wayne Collins (Linda); niece, Teresa and a brother, Ira Collins (Bonnie). She was preceded in death by her daughter, Melany Emery; parents and brothers, Quincy Collins and Charlie Powell. 

A private graveside service to celebrate Brenda’s life will be held at Alamance Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Duke Cancer Center Brain Tumor Clinic, 20 Duke Medicine Circle Clinic 3-1, Durham, NC 27710-2000 or to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org.