Barbara Jean Sykora (nee: Williams)

November 22, 1955 – March 1, 2019

Born in Wichita, Kansas on November 22, 1955. Barbara died in hospice care at her home with her husband Marcus, at her bedside along with family and friends. Preceded in death by both parents, Orpha Williams Warner and Jim Williams. Sisters Marsha Williams and Jody Williams. Both parents-in-law, Sheila and Marcus Sykora. In addition to her husband, she is survived by brothers, Michael Williams, Sam Williams, sister, Patti Williams Craig all of Omaha, Nebraska. Sheila (Ken) Nellis of Albany, New York, Silvia (Bob) Buob and Susan Humes all of Presque Isle, Maine. Madelyn Sykora of Liberty, Missouri. Goddaughters, Amy (Aaron) Ghering, Sarah (John) Wilson all of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Jenna (Matt) Weilbacher of Bellevue, Nebraska.

Many nephews, nieces, cousins, and many, many dear friends across the universe.

Born Barbara Jean Williams in Wichita, Kansas, she grew up as the fifth child of six. She spent teenage and high school years in Pryor, Oklahoma. After graduating high school at Pryor High, she took a “gap” year and started an entry job at Southwestern Bell. Advancing her career through “Ma Bell”, which eventually became American Telephone & Telegraph (ATT). Along her career path she met and married the love of her life, Marcus B. Sykora, who was also employed with AT&T.  They have been married for 32 years. Together they were able to relocate with the company to Colorado, Pennsylvania and eventually settle in Liberty, Missouri a suburb of metropolitan Kansas City. After retiring from 30 years with AT&T Barbara joined The Royals Baseball, her DREAM job! After 7 years at the Royals, she retired as assistant to the HR Director. She loved her Royals!!!

Barbara enjoyed reading novels, crossword puzzles, traveling, cooking, gardening, Jeopardy and The Price Is Right. She was a loving mom to her many fur babies, her parrot, and cat.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers at Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care for their loving care.

A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: KC Pet Project, 4400 Raytown Rd, Kansas City, MO 64129; Hope House Shelter, PO Box 577, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063; Della Lamb Community Services, 3608 St. John Ave., Kansas City, MO 64123.