Sylvia Jean Thomas was born on Sunday, October 9th, 1932 to CC and Nettie Dodwell in Caddo Valley, Arkansas.  She was the 8th of 10 children with seven brothers and 2 sisters.  Although she had little formal education, she became an excellent seamstress, baker and childcare provider.

When she was eighteen, she met the love of her life, Joe, as they worked in a garment factory.  They married on Saturday, June 30th of 1951 in the midst of a thunderstorm.

The couple lived in several small houses and apartments, including next door to her in-laws.  That situation led her to being extra considerate when she became a mother-in-law.

Over the next 12 years, four children - Sandra, Beverly, Randy, and Cathy - completed their family.  Since Joe was an only child and Sylvia had nine siblings, they compromised in the middle.  Those first dozen years were some of the happiest of her life as she was surrounded by friends, family and the beautiful Caddo River.  Many summer evenings were spent swimming, eating and fellowshipping on the banks of the river.

In 1965, Joe and Sylvia and family moved to Garland to find better jobs.

Sylvia began her home daycare business shortly after that and over the next 20 or so years loved and nurtured many children.

Joe and Sylvia joined Eastern Hills Baptist Church where Sylvia impacted the preschool ministry as a volunteer, teacher and coordinator. She was also a soprano in the choir.

Along the way, Sylvia perfected her baking skills.  She was persistent in finding the best recipe for any dish.  Yeast rolls were a challenge but her family enjoyed her search for the perfect roll.  She found it!  She loved cooking for her family and over the years shared many meals with sick, grieving or needy neighbors and friends.  Lately, having her amazing chocolate chip cookies ready for her great grandchildren has been her pleasure.

When her children were young, she sewed her clothes and theirs.  She even made prom dresses and one wedding dress.

Sylvia was not a public speaker, but she was a servant.  She was often not a decision maker, but she was a good follower.

In 1984, after years of service in church, she realized that she had no assurance of her salvation.  A well-intentioned pastor told her that he was sure she was a Christian.  She wasn't sure.  She decided to look for blessed assurance instead and kneeling on the floor in her bedroom at age 52, she asked Jesus into her heart.  She continued her service but now with her heart, not just her hands.

Upon retirement, she and Joe traveled to 48 states and enjoyed many trips with the Garland Sam's RV Club.

From childhood through the last years, Sylvia loved to play games of all kinds.  She was not meek and mild when playing, she was serious and very competitive.

In 2007, Joe and Sylvia joined First Baptist Church where Joe taught an adult Sunday School class and Sylvia, as always, was his biggest supporter.  They were also members of Praise Singers.

She is survived by

Spouse - Joe; children Sandra (Ted) Wommack, Beverly (John) Combs, and Randy (Lisa)Thomas

Grandchildren – Joe Wommack, Michael (Renee) Wommack, Stacie (Jared) Entzminger; Emily and Jennifer Combs, Zac (Amberly)Thomas, Kayli Thomas, Graham and Sydney Barnes.

Great grandchildren - Brennan Wommack, Jacob, Josiah and Jessup Entzminger, Kenley, Keelyn and Huxton Thomas.

Sadly, she is predeceased by her daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Gary Barnes.