Sybil Marie Muths Favrot

Sybil Marie Muths Favrot died on June 22, 2023 surrounded by her family. Born in Gulfport, Mississippi on February 20, 1935, she spent her adult life in New Orleans where she devoted her time and energy to improving life in her community.

Sybil graduated from Gulfport High School, attended the University of Mississippi and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1956 from Newcomb College where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

She married David Blair Favrot of New Orleans in 1957. From that time until her death, she devoted herself to her family and to the city she so loved.

In 1981, Sybil was invited to join the Board of Administrators of Tulane University. For fifteen years she served with distinction as the second female trustee in the history of the university. She was elected vice-chairman of the Board of Administrators, chair of its Honorary Degree Committee, a member of the President’s Council, Newcomb Foundation board, co-chair of the Newcomb Art Project, chair of the Newcomb Alumnae Association, and chair of the Newcomb Dean’s Council. In recognition of her outstanding service and dedication to both Tulane University and Newcomb College, Sybil received the Newcomb College Alumnae Service Award in 1987 and the Tulane Alumni Volunteer Award in 1992.

Sybil embraced her adoptive city with a burning passion and devoted her time to numerous charitable and community non-profit boards. She served on the board and Executive Committee of Isidore Newman School and as a board member and president of the Parents League of the Louise S. McGehee School. Sybil was past president of the Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses Board of Directors as well as a member of the boards of the New Orleans Botanical Garden Foundation, Newcomb Art Gallery, WYES, Salvation Army of New Orleans, Longue Vue House and Gardens, YWCA, and the St. Charles Avenue Association. As a member of the Junior League of New Orleans, Sybil served on its board of directors, was a member of its advisory board, and was awarded the Junior League Sustaining Award

Sybil was also an active member of the Women of the Storm, the New Orleans Philharmonic Symphony Society, the New Orleans Town Gardeners, the Garden Club of America, the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America and the Mayflower Society. In recognition of her tireless energy, time, and commitment to improving the quality of life of the community, Sybil Favrot was chosen the Outstanding Person by the Institute of Human Understanding, and was selected St. Elizabeth’s Guild Volunteer Activist. In 1995, she reigned as queen of the Mystic Club.

Beyond her many civic commitments, Sybil was well known for her love of the arts, design, and décor but especially her beloved English-style garden. She was stalwart in her extraordinary empathy for friends, family, and those in need. It is they who benefited from her spirit of generosity, thoughtfulness, and kindness.

Survivors include her sons Stephen Reeves Favrot, MD (Jeanne) of Birmingham, Clifford Freret Favrot (Beth) of New Orleans, and daughter Margaret Favrot Cross (Morgan) of New Orleans. Mrs. Favrot is also survived by her brother, Sherman Lewis Muths, Jr. (Celia) of Gulfport, and nine grandchildren: Elise Freret Favrot, Stephen Reeves Favrot, Jr. (Parisa), David Blair Favrot II, Robert Stone Favrot, Clifford Freret Favrot III, Michael Bradford Favrot, Malise Dornier Favrot, Everett Simons Cross, and Blair Favrot Cross. Mrs. Favrot was preceded in death by her parents, Sherman Lewis Muths and Margaret Tomlinson Muths, her husband, David Blair Favrot, and her son, David Blair Favrot, Jr.

The Memorial Service will be held at St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church at 3pm on Friday July 7th and will be preceded by a visitation starting at 1:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1545 State St, New Orleans, LA 70118; Second Harvest Food Bank, 700 Edwards Ave., New Orleans, LA 70123; and New Orleans Botanical Garden, 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124.