Dr. Jean Trogdon Sykes

Dr. Jean Webb Trogdon Sykes died Sunday February 10, 2013 at Friends Homes West in Greensboro where she had been a resident since 2002. The family will receive friends Thursday, February 14th from 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm at Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro. Graveside service will follow at 3:00pm at Oaklawn Cemetery with the Reverend Susan Mitchell officiating. A memorial service will be held Friday, February 15, 2013 at 11:00 am at Friends Home West, 6100 West Friendly Ave., Greensboro with Rev. Bill Ellison officiating. Jean was born in Macclesfield, NC to the late Carrie Elliott Webb (1903-1997) and Curtis Preston Webb (1901-1976). Following high school graduation from Woodleaf, where she lived with her grandparents Sam and Bettie Elliott, Jean attended Lees-McRae College before graduating from Meredith College. She came to Asheboro in 1946 to work in medical records at Randolph Hospital. There she met and married James Orland "Jimmy" Trogdon of Asheboro in 1948. Jimmy later became vice-president of S.E. Trogdon and Sons, general contractors. While the Trogdons lived in Jacksonville in the 1950's, Jean was a home demonstration agent with the NC Cooperative Extention. They returned to Asheboro in 1960. She began teaching home economics at the University of North Carolina - Greensboro where she earned her Masters Degree. Her husband Jimmy died in 1973. Jean earned her Doctorate Degree at NC State University in 1974 and continued as a professor of home economics at UNCG until retiring in 1985. Her many co-workers and students will remember her as a trusted friend and dedicated educator. Jean was married in 1977 to Rufus P. Sykes, a long time Asheboro Family Physician. He died in February 1981. She then married John J. Steube, a retired Western Electric Company executive in 1985. He died in February 1989. Jean was a life-time member of First United Methodist Church in Asheboro. She was an avid bridge player and loved ballroom dancing. She held an amateur pilot's license which she earned in the early 1980's. She remained loyal and loving to her surviving family members and many close friends until the end of her life. In addition to her parents and grandparents, and husbands, Jean was preceded in death by her sister Sophia Elliot Webb Critcher of Williamston, aunts Ruth Elliott Everest and Frances Elliott Dunn and uncle Ray Elliott all of Salisbury. She was also preceded in death by Mr. S. E. Trogdon, Jr, brother-in-law and his wife, Gladys Steed Trogdon, sister-in-law Anne Peoples Trogdon, brother-in-law Colonel Ben Barone, USAF retired. Survivors include her nephew B. Allen "Al" Critcher lll and partner Michael A. Cooper of Williamston, a cousin Nancy D. Odell and husband Bill Odell of Weaverville and their children Josef, Caroline and Rosanne. She is also survived by William J. (Joe) Trogdon, Mrs. Wanda Trogdon Ilderton and husband Clarence M. Ilderton, Sr. and Mrs. Nina Trogdon Barone. Survivors also include 15 nieces and nephews who will miss her greatly. She will be remembered by many loving and cherished friends. Memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church, 224 N. Fayetteville St., Asheboro, NC 27203, The Children's Home Society of NC, P.O. Box 14608, Greensboro, NC 27415 or to charities of one's choice.