Jill Answoth Stepanian-Sykes

Obituary - Jill Ballard Sykes

In Loving Memory

Jill Ainsworth Stepanian, born Jill Ainsworth Ballard, lovingly known as Jill Sykes to friends and family, peacefully passed away in her sleep on June 10, 2026, at her home in Bromide, Oklahoma. She was 71 years old.

Jill was born on December 13, 1954, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, to Billy Gene Ballard and Shirley Claire (Gifford) Ballard. In 1957, the family relocated to Garland, Texas, where Jill was raised and welcomed the birth of her younger brother, Douglas “Doug” Wayne Ballard, less than a year later.

Growing up in Garland, Jill attended Ferris Watson Elementary and Memorial Jr. High School. In 1968, while attending Memorial Junior High, she discovered a love for the performing arts through the Richardson Community Theatre, where she appeared in a production of “A Christmas Carol.“ She was also an active member of the Methodist Youth Fellowship at Axe Memorial United Methodist Church (UMC) where she formed many memorable friendships and developed a deep faith in Jesus Christ. Throughout the different seasons of her life, even the difficult ones, Jill continued to seek God's presence and draw strength from her faith. Jill graduated from South Garland High School in 1973, where she was a member of the South Garland High Acapella Choir. She continued her education at Eastfield Community College.

Jill was the mother of three wonderful children: James “Jay” Douglas Grizzle, Amy Jenay Grizzle, and Ashley Ainsworth Howard. She worked as a receptionist for several businesses, including Jeffrey & Company, a stock brokerage firm, and later cared for patients at an Alzheimer's care center. Beyond her professional roles, she found her greatest joy in being home, caring for her beloved pets, and spending time with family and friends.

On November 2, 2009, Jill married Edgar “Ed” Lee Sykes at Axe Memorial UMC in Garland, Texas. Together they built a life filled with love, friendship, family, and cherished memories in Garland, Texas, before later making their home in Bromide, Oklahoma.

Jill was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Shirley Ballard, and by her beloved children, Jay Grizzle and Amy Grizzle Dibble. She is survived by her husband, Ed Sykes; her brother, Doug Ballard and his wife, Deborah; her daughter, Ashley Howard Tanner and son-in-law, Chad; her grandchildren Collin and Maddie Grizzle, Mason Dibble, Alyssa Bailey, and Jack and John Tanner; her dear friend Cheryl Granthan; and many extended family members and friends. All will miss her dearly.

Those who knew Jill will remember her childlike spirit, warm heart, and uplifting presence. She possessed a gentle kindness that touched everyone around her. A lifelong lover of animals, she found joy in caring for God's creatures and was especially devoted to her beloved dog, Millie. Jill brought compassion, laughter, and light to all who knew her. Her memory will remain a blessing to those who loved her, and her spirit will continue to live on in their hearts, lifting them up whenever they think of her.

Jill will be laid to rest alongside her children, Jay and Amy, at Restland Cemetery in Dallas, Texas. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Axe Memorial United Methodist Church, 1700 Kingsley Drive, Garland Texas 75081.