Janice K Wykle

Thursday, October 22, 2020, Janice Kaye Sifford Ealey Wykle gained her wings and joined her love ones in heaven.  She was born July 23, 1950 to Zelma and Charles Sifford in Knoxville, Tennessee.  A graduate of East High School, class of 1968, Janice would later begin her career at Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB).  She retired from KUB after many years of exemplary service.  Not only was she a dedicated employee but a devoted and faithful worshipper of the Lord.  Sister Wykle was a lifetime member of Tabernacle Baptist Church where she served tirelessly in several capacities until her health began to decline. 

Sister Wykle joined Tabernacle Baptist Church under the leadership of the late great S. A. Baker.  In her years of committed servitude, she was the Secretary of the Deaconess Board, President of the Sisterhood Mission Ministry, Assistant Teacher of the Sunday Adult Master Life Class in Christian Education, founding member of the Singles’ Ministry, the Debra Jack Scholarship Fund, Tabernacle’s Praise Team and a member of both the Women’s “Seed” Sunday and the church’s budget committee.  Janice’s faith led many to the Lord.  She uplifted people with her poised persona and genuine spirit.  On any given Sunday, she would grace the congregation with her clear and precise pronounced morning announcements; something she thoroughly enjoyed.  She also served as the Treasurer of the United Class of 1968 for several terms. 

Janice had many gifts she willingly shared with family and friends.  She had a knack for crafts and jewelry making.  Her moniker was “Bejeweled by Janice.” With all that Janice did and was to so many, she will be fondly remembered as a devoted wife to “her sweetie”, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and true woman of God. 

Those who preceded her in death were her first born son, Andre’ Ealey; great grandson, Massiah Drew; parents; sister, Brenda Harris; aunts and uncles, Harry and Mary Ruth King, Barbara Whaley, Clara Clayborn, and Harold Jones.

Left to mourn her passing and cherish her memory are her loving family, husband, SFC William D. Wykle, Jr.; loving son, Zahn Christopher Ealey (Tamicia and sons) of Texas; stepchildren, Patrick Barnes of North Carolina and Amanda (Cheko) Waters of Germany; devoted granddaughter, Jelessa Ealey; loving grandchildren, Zahn Ealey II, Tavius Lyons, Chezahn Ealey, Vivica Ealey, Olivia Barnes and Shauntel Fain; great grandchildren, Daionna Drew, DaMonii Ealey, Khalil Drew, Zahn Ealey III, Zahnasia Ealey, Zakari Ealey and Jaylen Drew; devoted sister, Sandra Campbell; niece, Pamela (Reginald) Campbell-Bost; nephews, Brian Campbell, Brandon Campbell, Kirk Harris and Doug (Antonia) Harris; uncle, Thomas Jones of Illinois; brother-in-law, Tommy Wykle; a host of other family and friends to include special cousin, Cynthia Turner, special sister, LaWan Davis, special friends, Kim Jones, Misty Gordon, Jerelean Clark, Sherry Stewart, Gloria Robinson, Bernice Phillips, Harriette Boyd, former brother-in-law, Edwin Campbell and the Tabernacle Baptist Church family especially the Deaconess Board. 

A special thank you to the Austin High School, class of 1963 for their loving kindness. 

Thursday, October 29, 2020, a public walkthrough visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 2137 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, Knoxville, TN followed by a funeral service for immediate family and close friends. Social distancing and face coverings are required. Interment will follow at East TN Veterans Cemetery, 2200 Gov. John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN, where a white dove release will conclude the service. Flowers may be delivered to the church the morning of the visitation. During this time, we will remain in compliance with the Governor's Executive Order #17 (COVID-19). Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Buckmon, LFD 1-800-824-8283 or www.pattonfuneralhome1962.com.

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