Nanci Mae Sykes, 78, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026. Born on January 26, 1948, in Miami, Florida, Nanci later made her home in Monroe, North Carolina, where she built a life centered on family, generosity, and devotion.

During her working years, Nanci dedicated herself to a career in the title insurance industry. She was known for her strong work ethic, professionalism, and careful attention to detail. She approached her work with integrity and took pride in doing things well, earning the respect of those who worked alongside her.

While she valued her career, her greatest joy was her family and the simple ways she could show her love. Nanci had a giving heart and found deep happiness in caring for others. Christmas was her favorite time of year — a season she embraced with warmth, generosity, and tradition. One of her most cherished expressions of love was baking carrot cakes from a treasured family recipe and sharing them with neighbors and friends. For many, those cakes became a symbol of her kindness and thoughtfulness.

She is survived by her daughter, Lori and her husband Mike; her sons, John and David and his wife Melissa. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Justin, Brandi, Summer, Johnny, Mindy, Autumn, Dylan, and Austin, and a cherished great-grandmother to Maddox, Owen, Nolan, Ethan, Maddie, and Blakely (born Feb 7).

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bo; her sister Betty; and her brother Frank.

Nanci is also survived by her sister Linda and husband John, along with nieces and a nephew who will remember her generous spirit and steady love.

Nanci’s life was defined not by grand gestures, but by the quiet, consistent ways she showed up for others. Her warmth, strength, and giving heart leave a lasting legacy in the family she cherished and the community she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Holland Funeral Service is serving the Sykes family.