Coronavirus claims at least 7 more veteran pastors, leaving churches to celebrate Easter in mourning
The Rev. H. Gene Sykes, who led Friendship Baptist Church in Bayonne, New Jersey, for more than a quarter century, died of complications from the new coronavirus, Mayor Jimmy Davis announced Tuesday. He was 78.
“Rev. H. Gene Sykes, the pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, was one of Bayonne’s most prominent clergymen. Sadly, he has passed away after being infected by the coronavirus. He was well-known in the community for his spiritual and civic accomplishments. Rev. Sykes will be remembered for moving his congregation to a new location, where he renovated and expanded a former synagogue,” Davis said.
“Rev. Sykes gave many years of service as a volunteer Commissioner on the board of the Bayonne Housing Authority. He was an active member of the Bayonne Interfaith Clergy and other community organizations. On behalf of the city of Bayonne, I would like to offer our condolences to his family, friends, and congregation,” the mayor noted.
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Sykes is survived by his wife, Fannie Steen Sykes; his children, John Sykes of Jersey City, Lynne Sykes-Horace of Plainfield and Tonya Sykes of Charlotte, North Carolina, NJ.com said.
