Pastor Andre Brian Sykes of Princess Anne, Maryland departed this life on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Son of the late Mary Lou Sykes, he was born on September 17, 1956, in Salisbury, Maryland.
Answering the call to serve the kingdom of God, he became the founder and Pastor of Higher Calling Ministries in Princess Anne, Maryland, in 2011. He loved the Lord with all of his heart. He loved God’s Word, and He loved souls. He Threw No One Away, but embraced them, encouraged them, and wanted God’s very best for them. He was a true servant who loved studying and teaching God’s word. Pastor Sykes was a “Man After God’s Own Heart.”
He received his formal education in the Wicomico County Public School System. He received his Associate’s Degree in Biblical Studies and his Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from the Logos Bible College.
He was the owner and sole proprietor of A.B.S. Creative Landscaping for over 35 years.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Gail Sykes; children: Nicolas Sykes, Chari Jones, Christina Johnson (Brian), Sabrina Sykes-Martin (Greg), Ray Lockamy (Alysha), Courtney Palmer (Kellen); grandchildren: Jaylen Sykes, Malaysia Sykes, Amyah Martin, Gregory Martin, Sayvion Martin, Ja’Vion Collins, Aa’niyah Palmer, Landen Palmer, Aiden Palmer; brothers: Floyd Sykes, Brian Williams; brothers-in-law: Samuel James, Dale James, Maurice James; sisters-in-law: Sandra Horsey, Mary Jones (George), Patrica James-Cope, Lisa Tilghman; his HCM Church family; a special niece: Kimberly Banks; special cousins: Elder Tyrone Sykes (Yvette), Monique Sykes-Moore (Keith); his best friend: Pastor Hayward Bailey (Apostle Helena); a special sister-friend: Annette Maddox, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his spiritual mother, Bishop Catherine A Camper; brother, Darrell Sykes; sisters: Lynette Sykes and Cherry Sykes; uncles: Ernest Sykes, Joseph Sykes, and Benjamin Sykes; aunts: Edith White, Sarah Fitchett, and Apostle Diane Brooks.
A funeral service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 30683 Hampden Avenue, Princess Anne, Maryland with a viewing one-hour prior. A public viewing will be held 2:00 PM-6:00 PM Friday, March 13, 2026, at Anthony E. Ward, Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne.
20 Responses
To be Absent from the body is to be present with the lord, you have fought a good fight , take your rest with god.Praying for the family may god give you the strength and healing heart that only he can.
My condolences to Ray, Mom Gail, whole family and friends, especially the church community. I am sorry to learn of your loss. I know Pastor Sykes was very much loved by all. A big loss to Princess Anne and Somerset County. We know he is at peace, and I pray all his loved ones find that peace within their hearts, as you grieve your loss. May God’s abundant blessings be upon you, and may you feel His Presence during this time of mourning.
We grew up together on Patrick Avenue. My prayers and condolences for your family! Sleep Easy!💕🙏🏾🙏🏾
My condolences to Gail and family. I am sorry for the loss of Pastor Andre/cousin. He was truly a man after God’s on heart, didn’t mind telling you about his love for Christ and wanted to see people free. He will truly be missed
Cousin Gail our prayers are with and your children and church family God has been your present help and I am so godly proud the love and your steadfast love you had for your husband and family praying strength and comfort love you all ❤️
What a wonderful man of God he was! And, the many tributes illustrate who he was and how he was!
So sorry to have to acknowledge his passing so suddenly! Sleep in peace Pastor Andre’ Sykes!! You fought a good fight. You have now won the race! Well done good and faithful servant!
Love and lots of prayers for Co-Pastor Gail Sykes, the children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and all other family members. God be with Higher Calling Church family as well!
May God wrap all of you in HIS loving embrace and give you strength and courage as you travel through this loss!!
With sad, but encouraged condolences!
Rev. Eleanor B. Wilson, cousin😢♥️🙏🏽
Gail and family, words are so difficult at a time like this..I just want you all to know that I care, and I share in your sadness. My thoughts and prayers are with you all 🙏🏾❤️
Prayers for the family of Pastor Sykes it’s not much that can be said but God makes no mistakes and even through this time God still gets the glory and praise. He will strengthen you even through this time I love you family and I the loved Andre showed me what a friend he was weeping may endureth for a night but joy cometh in the morning
My condolences to you, Gail and your family. Brother Andre was an awesome Sunday School teacher and preacher when we were all attending the Bible Center. He was very serious about his walk with God. I am sure that he carried that same consistency as a pastor. I am praying for you, Gail. You and Andre were a team, always. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him.
My Condolences and Prayers to the family.
Sending condolences to the family
Take you rest Pop! We will miss you and we will carry your legacy on.
Condolences to the family on your loss may god comfort you in this difficult time. My prayers are with you and the family
Heartfelt prayers and condolences to you during this very sad time. May God provide peace and comfort that will carry you through this storm of life.
I extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family during this time. Sending prayers for peace and solace for your family.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort and peace in knowing that your love one is safe in the arms of God. May the love and peace of God be with you always. 🙏
My Dearest Gail and Family, it is with a broken heart I extend my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. May our Heavenly Father be a comforter and give you strength. God bless you, I love you and, I am praying for you. Love and Prayers .
Condolences to Gail and the family, on the passing of Pastor Sykes, Awesome man of God , wishing you peace and comfort in this time of loss. Please know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers he will be truly missed .
Sis Gail, I’m praying for you and your family. Bro Sykes used to be my Sunday School teacher. He was a good teacher always made the class interesting and asked questions to make you think 🤔…after being a great Sunday School teacher he became Pastor Andre Sykes. He was always serious about his love for God and also his family. Take your rest Pastor Sykes you will be missed.
To the Sykes family and friends. We send our condolences and heartfelt prayers. Pastor Sykes will be missed nevertheless his memories will last a lifetime. He was a true man of God and loved to have fun in the House of the Lord making us feel both welcomed and more knowledgeable of God’s Word. It was truly an honor and a privilege to meet him.