Sylvia Jane Everhart

Sylvia Jane Clayton Everhart, "Sib," peacefully passed over into her heavenly home, on December 24, 2023. "Sib" was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on April 11, 1936, to Albert Willie Clayton and Bessie Eudy Clayton. She is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, W. Gordon Everhart. They had one daughter, Pamela Celeste Everhart, who preceded her in death in 2001. Pam had a very special relationship with her parents. Her cherished daughter, Pam, was her sunrise and sunset.

Sylvia's mother, Bessie, passed away when she was aged three and her father remarried Leah Gabriel Clayton. Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Leah; brothers, Kenneth and Jerry Clayton; and sisters, Bonnie Clayton Parker and Betty Clayton Barnes. She is survived by her beloved brother, Dale Grant Clayton and his wife, Donnie Ann; brothers-in-law, Johnny Barnes and Frank Parker; brother/special "sister"-in-law, Steve and Mary Everhart; numerous nieces and nephews; and close friends, Payton Owens, Sandra and Mike Edwards.

In 1953, Sylvia graduated as valedictorian from Norwood High School. She was loved and respected by her peers and family as a girl who was always helping others.

Sylvia never met a stranger. If you took the time to talk with her, she listened well. Her heart was full of love for the Lord Jesus Christ, which she shared with people around her. Sylvia attended Oak Grove Methodist Church and served in various positions including Trustee; then in later years she attended Fort Lee Chapel.

Sylvia had an amazing history with her love for animals, which she shared with Pam and Gordon. She volunteered for a veterinary office at Fort Lee, housed and fed numerous cats and dogs, including poodles and countless rescues, including a pet skunk and a monkey!

Her gifted love for horses began in Thailand where she taught riding lessons through the Bangkok Riding and Polo Club. The owner recognized in Sylvia that she was indeed a "horse whisperer" with the ability to calm and retrain mistreated horses. The Embassy children of various nations and her young daughter, Pam, enjoyed Sylvia's riding lessons that were often taught in a jungle camp while stationed there during Gordon's military service.

In Petersburg, VA, she created and taught at the request of the General's wife, a "Boots and Saddles Club." It was offered to wives and children of officer's at Fort Lee, and included riding lessons, care of the horses, and advanced trail riding. She was involved in harness racing here in the United States. Awards were presented to her by the American Red Cross and US Army for her tireless volunteer work.

Her final mission began while dining daily at a local restaurant. Again, her calming demeanor and willingness to listen proffered her as a solutionist and counselor for many folks, servers as well as other diners.

Finally, a cherished description of our precious "Sib", is found in Proverbs 31.

"Who can find a virtuous woman? Her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband trusts in her and he will have no lack of gain. She will do her husband good and not evil all the days of her life."

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at the Dinwiddie Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, 6616 Boydton Plank Road, N. Dinwiddie, VA. A graveside service will be held on at 2:00 pm, on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Southlawn Memorial Park.