Koretta Sykes was born as the sixth child of TJ and Bessie Mayfield in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the age of nine, she began singing in the church choir at Gospel Tabernacle Church in Cedar Rapids and studied music under Pastor Mary Beets for nineteen years. She was mentored by Bishop Tony Lane and Sidney Haynes during this tenure.
Koretta went on to direct many local choral music and partnered with the late Ron Teague, who taught her how to play the organ and a method of teaching vocal parts that she still uses today. She was also one of the choir directors for the Voices of Soul Gospel choir at the University of Iowa, directing and singing in biannual concerts for twelve years.
In 1994, Koretta began attending Cathedral of Worship in Quincy, IL under the leadership of Bishop EL Warren. She has served as part of the music ministry and as the music teacher at Chaddock Youth Organization, working with youth and children from all over the world.
Koretta completed her bachelor’s in theology through Life Christian University Quincy, IL campus, and is a licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist practicing at Miracle Ear in Quincy Il, Carthage Il, Pittsfield Il, and Hannibal Mo.
Recently, Koretta formed Karing Kulture, a mission to Kare for the Kommunity, advocating for Karegivers and those battling mental illness. The Karing Kulture Kommunity Khoir is a component of K3, which aims to bridge the gap of race, political, and social barriers to worship God in song.
Koretta has recorded the song “Faithful and Holy” and “My Soul Has Been Anchored,” which will be available on CD and digital platforms.
As an author and songstress, Koretta shares her transparent story and life lessons in her book, “The Journal of a Denied Worshipper (from the inside out).” She wants others to recognize that everyone has a story of personal dysfunction and disappointment, as well as victory and accomplishment. Through faith and being faithful, she learned that it is the only posture for survival in this race called life.