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Sylvia Louise Martin

It is with regret we announce the passing of Ms. Sylvia Louise Martin, age 78, of Fort Lauderdale, FL, formerly of Fayetteville, TN. Sylvia was born on May 4, 1942 in Lincoln County, TN to the late Joe Reese and Wilma L. Smith Martin. She passed away on September 26, 2020 at Elk River Health and Rehab.

Sylvia worked more than 40 years as a journalist for the Sun-Sentinel in South Florida. She was a member of the Church of Christ and of the Phi Beta Psi Sorority.

Ms. Martin leaves behind a devoted friend and caregiver, Lisa Reese of Fayetteville. In addition to her parents, Sylvia was preceded in death by her brother, Johnny Reese Martin.

A private committal service will be held at Booneville Cemetery. Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Ms. Sylvia Louise Martin.

14 Comments (Open | Close)

14 Comments To "Sylvia Louise Martin"

#1 Comment By Judy Steelman On September 27, 2020 @ 3:09 pm

So sorry to hear about Sylvia. She was a good friend. Class of 60

#2 Comment By Becky Fogleson On September 27, 2020 @ 6:54 pm

Knew Sylvia for 35 years. We belonged to Phi Beta Psi sorority which raises money for cancer research. We worked together on fundraising projects. Sylvia always pitched to help. She held several offices in the sorority such as province organizer, president of our chapter, and president of our state convention. She was a good friend to her sisters in our chapter. She made many friends in other chapters by attending many National conventions. Her sisters will miss her a great deal. God bless her and may she Rest In Peace Becky

#3 Comment By Sherry Norris On September 27, 2020 @ 8:07 pm

Sorry to hear of Sylvia’s death. A very special person.

#4 Comment By Sherry Norris On September 27, 2020 @ 8:09 pm

So sorry to hear of Sylvia’s death. Very special person.

#5 Comment By Laverne Tyler On September 27, 2020 @ 8:50 pm

My deepest sympathy. Classmate of Sylvia’s.

#6 Comment By Janice Johnson Lee On September 27, 2020 @ 10:13 pm

Sylvia was one of my first friends in the first grade at Rocky Knob. She was a dear friend and we had many good times together. She will surely be missed.

#7 Comment By Janice Johnson Lee On September 27, 2020 @ 10:16 pm

Sylvia was one of my very first friends in the First Grade at Rocky Knob. She and I shared many good times . She will surely be missed.

#8 Comment By Kim Simon On September 28, 2020 @ 8:31 am

Sylvia was a dear friend, a sister (Phi Beta Psi Sorority) and a kind and caring Person. She will truly be missed by all who crossed her path.

#9 Comment By Lynne Helm On September 28, 2020 @ 9:19 pm

After years on separate paths both inside and outside the Sun-Sentinel newsroom, it was wonderful reconnecting with Sylvia in recent years during our monthly alum lunches. Since she and I often were early birds, we happily had extra time together. Nothing heavy, just shooting the “remember when” breeze … times to be treasured, little realizing these lunches soon would be curtailed by Covid. Sylvia’s fall, attempted recovery and subsequent move to Tennessee all came so quickly, many of us had no opportunity to say goodbye. Rest In Peace, Sylvia.

#10 Comment By Kay Gilliam Colgan On September 29, 2020 @ 11:00 am

So sorry to hear the sad news of Sylvia’s passing; she was a sweet classmate and remembered fondly.

#11 Comment By Lynn Laurenti On September 29, 2020 @ 5:23 pm

Back in the middle 1960s, Sylvia and I were cub reporters together on the Sun-Sentinel. In fact, it was Sylvia who knocked on my door one morning to let me know that the Sentinel wanted to hire me. Her visit to my house was occasioned by the fact that I had no telephone. We were good friends from day one and remained friends for many years to come. I called her Sylsie and she called me Lynnsie. I will always remember her as an excellent journalist and a kind and caring friend. Rest in peace, dear Sylsie.

#12 Comment By Gwendolyn Raines Coats On September 29, 2020 @ 11:27 pm

I’m so sorry to hear of Sylvia’s passing.

#13 Comment By Claire Bergen On September 30, 2020 @ 9:49 am

Goodbye Sylvia. You had a very interesting life with all of us during your years at the Sun Sentinel and you helped a lot of people after you left. I hope your cat is in good hands. I know you cared about her very much.

#14 Comment By Fred Lowery On October 3, 2020 @ 10:24 pm

I’ll never forget you Syl. You made me feel at home with the Sentinel from day one. And the times since were most always times to remember.