Christine "Chris" Parmelee Sikes

Christine "Chris" Parmelee Sikes, a longtime Lakeland resident, passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at the age of 87.

Chris was born in West Palm Beach, Florida, on August 15, 1937. She was the daughter of Imogen and Robert Parmelee. Chris graduated from Palm Beach High School and Florida State University. While earning her degree in Elementary Education, she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority and an enthusiastic trapeze artist in the FSU Flying High Circus.

Upon graduation, Chris moved to Dallas, Texas to teach elementary school. While living in Dallas, she was introduced to James W "Jimmie" Sikes. Chris and Jimmie were married in 1962 and settled in Lakeland shortly thereafter.

She was a member of the Lakeland Junior League, the daughters of the American Revolution, a founding member of the GiveWell Community Foundation, and a board member for many other community organizations in Lakeland.

Chris loved sports. She could be found on the tennis courts, walking the lake, at the "Y" or on the ski slopes. She was also an avid and longtime participant in the Polk County Senior Games. Chris loved the Florida Gators (when they weren't playing the Seminoles) and was also a Dallas Cowboys football fan. Chris was also a world traveler who loved to see places, new and old.

Chris is survived by her daughter, Shannon Knapp (Richard), her sister Jane P. Newell, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Jimmie, her son James "Jamie" Wesley Sikes Jr., and her sister Lou P. Hatton.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 11:00am at All Saints Episcopal Church, 202 S Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801. A reception will be held in the church hall immediately following the service, with graveside service thereafter.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Chris' memory to Heart of Horse Sense, 7041 Meadows Town Road, Marshall, NC, 28753. www.HeartofHorseSense.org.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.heathfuneralchapel.com.