Ms. Celia M. Fikes passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, July 09, 2026, 11:30 a.m. Cassie Coote Brown Memorial Chapel at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home 909 East Market Street Greensboro, North Carolina. Visitation 11:00 a.m.

Life and Legacy 

Celia Michelle Fikes, lovingly known as “Cie Cie,” was born in St. Michael, Barbados, where her warm and radiant spirit first took shape. She carried the kindness, laughter, and grace of her island home throughout her life. Her journey later led her to the United States, where she embraced new opportunities, education, and community. 

Education

• The Abbey Primary School, Barbados

• St. Gabriel’s Secondary School, Barbados

• AFS Intercultural Program — St. Teresa High School, Decatur, Illinois

• Strayer University, Washington, DC (Associate Degree)

• George Washington University, Washington, DC

Career

Cie Cie dedicated 31 years to Murphy Wainer Orthopedic Specialists, where she was known for her compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to helping others.

Family and Faith

Cie Cie was a devoted mother to her beloved daughter, ZoéiAlexis Fikes, the joy and purpose of her life. Her faith guided her daily walk, and she found peace in God’s promises. She was the cherished daughter of the Late Lester Eversley Whitehead Q.C. and the Late Jean Mitchelle Whitehead (née Niles), and a loving sister to Judy Whitehead and Magnus Whitehead. She embraced her role as aunt to Jermaine Whitehead and Maksim Whitehead, and ‘Auntie’ to many others, and was a beloved niece of Lorna Caddle, Vita Whitehead, and Everett Whitehead. As the goddaughter of Denise Waterman, she held close ties to her extended family, including cousins Eudene Downes, Andrea Downes, Pam Waterman, David Waterman, Kathy NilesJolly, Ian Niles, and many more within the Niles and Whitehead families. She also maintained close relationships with her Decatur, IL family, the McCoys. Cie Cie  was the estranged wife of Ronald Fikes and that union produced her cherished daughter Zoéi."

Friendships

Throughout her life, Cie Cie nurtured deep and lasting friendships with Cynthia Kersey and family, Yasmin Vlahakis and family, Petal Frias and family, Cherri Seepa and family, Pauline TennantAlleyne, Denise Payne, Donna BranchForde, Sandra Padmore, Jan Phillips, Dale Springer, Adrine Shook Griffin and family, Nicholas Reece, Susan Calhoun, Maritza Barreto and family, Constance Frazier and family, and many others who loved her dearly. Her relationships were a reflection of her generous heart, her warmth, and the joy she brought to every life she touched. 

Cherished Memories 

Cie Cie loved music, travel, and gathering with family and friends. Her laughter filled every room, and her generosity touched countless lives. After living in Decatur, IL, New York and Washington DC, she made Greensboro, North Carolina her home, creating stability and love for herself and Zoéi.

May Cie Cie Rest in Eternal Peace and Perpetual Light Shine Upon Her.