Lois Sikes McCord, 96, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, December 31, 2015, at her residence.
Funeral services will be held 3 PM, Sunday, January 3, 2016, at Central United Methodist Church with the Rev. Mike Benson, the Rev. B.J. Funk, and the Rev. Michael McCord officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the sanctuary on Sunday.
Mrs. McCord was born March 11, 1919, in Sumner, Georgia to the late James & Hattie Sumner Sikes. A graduate of Sumner High School, she earned her teaching degree from the former Georgia Teachers’ College. After one year of teaching school, she became a homemaker to support her husband in his Optometry practice. She was an active community member throughout her life. She supported her sons in their activities and served as PTA president for many years. She led a Girl Scout Troop and organized the blood drives for the Red Cross. Mrs. McCord enjoyed hosting bridge clubs in her home and appreciated the friendships made in the “Lois” Club. She loved growing and arranging flowers and watching birds. An active supporter of the Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane, she attended games as long as possible and when circumstances would not allow her to be at the field in person, she tuned into the radio. She even watched the recent State Championship game cheering on her team. Mrs. McCord was an active member of Central United Methodist Church having taught several Sunday school classes, led Vacation Bible School, coordinated UMW Circle meetings, and served on the Administrative Board and Trustees. In her last years, she has been an important part of the TLC ministry, ministering to others through her handwritten cards and letters. She always had a smile and remained positive despite many challenges she faced. She loved to live life and it showed.
She is survived by her two sons: Sikes McCord and his fiancé Sandra Redus Ellington, both of Fitzgerald and Dodge & Anne McCord of Kennesaw; a daughter-in-law, Sandy McCord of Florida; her grandsons and their spouses: Sean (Laurel) McCord, Michael (Emily) McCord, Robert (Amy Leigh) McCord, Matt (Stacy) McCord, Luke (Janelle) McCord, Sam (Katrina) McCord, Adam McCord, and Garrett McCord; and eight great-grandchildren. The family also wishes to acknowledge the great service of special friends and caregivers, Darlene Cook, Louise Jenkins, and the late Sue Adkinson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. John D. McCord; a son, John D. “Johnny” McCord, III; four sisters; and four brothers.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to Blue-Gray Community Hospice, P.O. Box 1447, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.