Etta Sykes Kittrell

Etta Sykes Kittrell, 93, of Tucson, AZ, formerly of Laurel, MS passed away on December 8. Etta was born in Laurel, MS on July 17, 1930. She graduated from Shady Grove High School where she excelled as a student. She loved playing basketball and softball. She was an excellent softball player and was named an All Star pitcher during her high school days. Although her family struggled as sharecroppers during the Great Depression and afterwards, her family remained close through those difficult times.

After high school, she graduated from the Charity Hospital Nursing Program as a Registered Nurse. Charity Hospital was an institution she held close to her heart her entire life. She remained active in the Charity Hospital Alumni Association from 1951-2011, a period of 60 years. Etta also retained her nursing license for over 60 years. Etta was passionate about nursing, a career she enjoyed for her entire life. Many people have expressed their appreciation to her as an inspiration in their pursuit of a career in the medical field.

Etta was preceded in death by her parents, W B Sykes and Susan Jane Sanders Sykes, her husband, Edd Kittrell, her siblings, Merle Leflore, Wilma Long, Aline Diguilio, William Sykes, Robert Sykes, James Sykes, Dodd Sykes and Hal Sykes. She is survived by her 3 children, Steve Kittrell of Acworth, GA, Stan Kittrell of Hattiesburg, MS, and Jan Kittrell of Tucson, AZ, with whom she lived for the last 10 years of her life. Etta is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Kane Kittrell of Petal, MS, Katie Kittrell Waters of Henrico, VA, Melissa Kittrell of Henrico, VA, Jesse Kittrell of Gulfport, MS, and Dylan Kittrell of Hattiesburg, MS, along with several great grandchildren. She enjoyed many wonderful years with her grandchildren.

Etta served as the lone Perry County, MS Health Nurse from 1957-1978, a position she loved. She was a kind and caring nurse, and Perry County residents loved and respected her. During her years living in Richton, Etta was active in the First Baptist Church and in many community activities, including being an ardent supporter of the Richton High School Band.

After her retirement from the Perry County Health Department in 1978, Etta moved to Hattiesburg, MS and spent another 20 years as a Charge Nurse at Methodist Hospital.

Etta will always be remembered for her love of her children and for her unconditional support of them. She will also be remembered for her love and kindness throughout her community. As her children, we could not have asked for a more loving, caring and supportive mother. We will miss her.