Sylvia Fay Mayes

Sylvia Fay Mayes, 99, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away November 2, 2023. She was born on November 27, 1923 in Steprock, AR the daughter of H.L. and Bessie Berry (Spraggins). She married David J. Mayes who preceded her in death.

Sylvia was a true Proverbs 31 woman. She rose every morning before dawn to start her day. After work 8-12 hours at Delco, she came home to fix a bountiful, delicious meal for her family. She loved working in her large garden and canning the produce from it. Her zucchini relish and pear preserves were legendary, but her apple pies were the star of any meal.

Sylvia was a skillful seamstress. At the age of twelve she made her mother a dress, then spent the rest of her life making beautiful clothes. Over her lifetime, she created over 100 hand sewn quilts, which were works of art.

In her fifties, she taught herself cake decorating, enabling her to make her friends and family lovely cakes for every occasion. She loved sharing her creations with everyone she knew. However, what she most valued was her service to God and her church. She helped her sister establish the Church of God in Kokomo. Over the years, she served as clerk and Sunday School teacher.

Although she had to use a magnifying glass, she read her bible every day, even in the last weeks of her life.

Surviving relatives include her son, Larry Mayes (Yvette) of Kokomo, IN; daughter-in-law, Roberta Mayes of Kokomo, IN; grandchildren, William Mayes (Jennifer) of Greentown, IN; Nicole Ward (Charles) of Kokomo, IN; Paul Mayes of Alameda, CA; great-grandchildren; Julian Mayes, Charlie Ward, Eden Mayes, and Jack Ward.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, one brother, husband, son David L. Mayes, grandson David J. Mayes II, and a great grandson William Ward.

Visitation will be 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home. Funeral services 1:00 PM Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home 2097 West Alto Road Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Entombment will be at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Share a memory with the family at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.