Verla Kathryn Sylvia of Savannah, Texas passed away July 25, 2017, at the age of 76. She was born May 25, 1941, to Friend Leroy Smith and Lela May (Howard) Smith in Salinas, California. Verla was born in Salinas, California and raised in Pasadena and Turlock, California where she graduated as salutatorian at Turlock High School in 1959. She married Ronald Allen Sylvia on September 22, 2007 in McKinney, Texas. Verla worked at her parent’s restaurant, L & L coffee shop, various secretarial jobs and business ventures. Later in life, she owned her own boutique and flower shop in Turlock. After moving to Texas, Verla continued to work in high end floral shops as a custom floral designer. She was a true artist and musically talented. Her legacy will be the faith and encouragement that she shared with other people.
Verla is survived by her husband, Ron Sylvia of Savannah, Texas; daughters, Brenda Crouch and husband Paul of Irvine, California, Cynthia Clark of Savannah, Texas, Rhonda Bourland and husband David of Purcell, Oklahoma; son, Steven Sylvia of Eugene, Oregon; grandchildren, Bryanna Spicer and husband Timothy, Charisa McGee and husband Kanon, Christina Clawson, Heather King, Mark Sylvia, Stephanie Sylvia, Alexandria Bourland, Jeremiah Sylvia, Tiana Sylvia, and Tyler Sylvia; great-grandchildren, Christian Spicer, Gavin Spicer, Hudson Spicer, Lily McGee, Olivia McGee, and Emma McGee; and a host of other loving family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her son, Ronald Sylvia, Jr., parents, Friend and Lela Smith, and brothers, Coy Smith and Ronald Smith.
A memorial service will be held 7:00 p.m., Monday, July 31, 2017 at Lighthouse Christian Fellowship, 4331 Prosper, Trail in Prosper, Texas.