Maggie Mae Battle was born on March 23, 1943, in Clay County, Mississippi, to the late Frank Sykes Sr. and Queenie Bell Townsend Sykes. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Effite Battle, and her siblings: Annie Lee Sykes, Andy Sykes, Willie James Sykes, Frank Sykes Jr., Clifton Sykes Sr., Sammie Lee Sykes, John Sykes, and Ola Mae Jefferson.

Maggie attended Fifth Street High School in West Point, Mississippi. She possessed an extraordinary work ethic, determination, and ambition. As a young mother, her priority was providing for her daughter, Queen Ann, and helping support her family. Her unwavering commitment to hard work became the foundation upon which she built a remarkable life.

At just 18 years old, in 1961, Maggie courageously left Mississippi and relocated to Boston, Massachusetts, in pursuit of greater opportunity and financial independence. Responding to a newspaper advertisement, she accepted a position as a nanny in Milton, Massachusetts, beginning a journey that would forever change the course of her family's future.

Her family continued to grow with the birth of her daughter, Tarshire Battle, in 1968 and her son, Kenneth Battle, in 1970. In 1975, Maggie began working on the assembly line at Gillette manufacturing razor blades. When the company experienced a major layoff, she refused to let adversity define her. Learning that Polaroid was hiring, Maggie encouraged her friends to apply alongside her because, wherever Maggie went, she made sure to bring "her girls" with her.

At Polaroid, Maggie worked as an assembly line inspector, a position that became a turning point in her life. It provided the financial stability she had long worked toward and allowed her to leave the hardships of poverty behind. More importantly, it enabled her to provide a life filled with love, security, and opportunity for her children. She often made sure they "wanted for nothing," proudly dressing them in the latest fashions from Jordan Marsh, Filene's, Lord & Taylor’s & Macy’s and ensuring they experienced the joys she had worked so hard to provide.

Maggie never met a stranger and had a remarkable way of making everyone feel like family. She was affectionately known as the neighborhood mother, always opening her heart and her home to those around her. She shared a special bond with Kenny's friends from Whitman and Norfolk Street, welcoming them with the same warmth, love, and kindness she showed her own family.

Outside of work, Maggie embraced life with style, grace, and laughter. A true fashionista, she loved shopping for unique clothing and accessories that reflected her impeccable taste. She found joy in decorating her home with beautiful artwork, elegant mirrors, decorative lamps, and custom draperies that showcased her creativity and eye for design. She loved cooking and was always clipping recipes from magazines to try something new. Maggie also enjoyed reading about history and relaxing with her favorite reality television shows, especially The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Above all, she treasured spending time with her family. Her infectious laugh, quick wit, and unforgettable sense of humor made every gathering brighter. Maggie was truly a comedian in her own right, bringing joy and laughter wherever she went. Maggie's greatest pride and accomplishment was her family.

She leaves to cherish her memory her three loving children: Queen Ann Carr-Willis and her husband, Naval Willis; Tarshire Battle-Askie and her husband, Varney Askie; and Kenneth Battle and his wife, Althea Battle.

She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Edrichus Sykes and his wife, Michelle Gatt; Ronald Sykes and his wife, Tiffany Sykes; Donald Sykes; Jonathan Guines; Leaveine Damas-Taylor and her husband, Damion Taylor; Khalaaiyl Battle; Useer Albert; Kenneth “Kenny” Carter and his wife, Leila Carter; and Kiara Battle. She was also blessed with 25 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immeasurable joy to her life.

Maggie is further survived by her devoted brother, Andrew Eugene Sykes, and his wife, Catherine Sykes, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

She held a special place in her heart for Maurice Wynn, Leavens Damas, and Darnell Younge, whom she lovingly considered her sons, and for Tarji Carter, whom she cherished as a daughter. She also leaves behind her dear niece, Glorestine Sykes Everson; her dear cousin, Elaine Holliman; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and treasured friends whose relationships spanned more than five decades.

Maggie Battle's life was a testament to perseverance, sacrifice, resilience, and unconditional love. Through determination and faith, she transformed hardship into opportunity, creating a legacy that will continue through the generations she nurtured. Her strength, humor, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love her.

Family and friends invited to attend viewing on Saturday July 18th 9:30AM-10:30AM in Mattapan Baptist Church, 587 Eliot Street, Milton. Funeral Service will follow at 10:30AM.

Interment in Oak Lawn Cemetery.

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."
— Dr. Seuss