Shirley J. Lykes Oden died January 6, 2014, in Akron, Ohio. She was the sixth child of the late Henry Lee and Nannie Dewey Lykes in Philadelphia, Pa. She attended Actual Business College and also gained continuing education at The University of Akron and Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio. She retired from Brecksville VA Hospital after 30 1/2 years as a rehab tech. She was active in her church, which included service as president of Pastor Aide, part-time Sunday school teacher, and Deaconess. She also served as a steward and secretary for Local 2113 AFGE Union at Brecksville VA Hospital, was named Employee of the Month at Brecksville VA, organized cheerleaders for South Rangers football team, served as a commissioner of the Akron Model Cities Program, and assisted at Poor People’s headquarters.

   She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents, Johnston and Frances Lykes, Minerva and Fred Fitzgerald; spouses John, Willie and Leo; son, Dewey E. Oden; grandchild, Shirley Jean Oden, whom she raised, and grandchild Nicky Sales; three sisters, Ruby F. Henderson, Ruth A. Sims and Thelma Witherspoon; three brothers, Robert L. Lykes Sr., William B. Lykes Sr. and Henry D. Lykes.  She leaves to mourn sons, John H. (Patricia), Richard A. (Josette) of Conyers, Ga., Chauncey, and Minister Willie A. (Sheilia) Oden;  her brother, John S. Lykes; foster sister, Carol Ann Kemp and sister-in-law, Lillian Lykes;  two foster sons, Ronald and Leon; foster daughter, Sondra; 36 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren; a host of great-great-grandchildren; special niece, Patricia Dillworth; nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends; and special friends, Shevaughna Williams, Louise Mitchell and the church family at Second Baptist Church.

The funeral was Jan. 17.  

The Rockdale News, January 18, 2014