Sylvia Williams Martin's Obituary
Sylvia Jean Williams was born on February 22, 1934 in Elk City, Oklahoma and passed away on January 23, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. Gibson “Gib” Martin, her husband of 58 years, and her parents, Orville Lee Williams and Josephine Blackburn Williams, preceded Sylvia in death. Sylvia is survived by her daughters, Leslie Katherine Martin and Carolyn Martin Fackler, Carolyn’s husband, Bob Fackler, their children Kyle Robert Fackler, Sara Michelle Witcraft, Stephanie Rene Fackler, Michelle Lynn Fackler, and Sylvia’s son, Thomas Gibson Martin, and his son, Brock Thomas Martin. Sylvia met Gib Martin in 1954 when they were students at the University of Tulsa. They were married on June 25, 1955 in Abilene, Texas. Their first home was located in Ardmore, Oklahoma where their first child, Kathy, was born in 1956. Their second daughter, Carolyn, was born three years later in Oklahoma City. Tom joined the family in 1967 while they were living in Tulsa. In 1970, the Martins moved to Richardson, Texas where they lived until 1974. The family joined the First United Methodist Church of Richardson where each family member was active in their respective choirs. Both Sylvia and Gib loved singing in the Chancel Choir and were integrally involved with the church for more than 30 years. In 1981, after several moves for Gib’s career, Gib and Sylvia returned to Richardson, where they considered their home to be. Sylvia spent her time studying art and creating masterpieces, teaching herself several languages, attending museums and concert halls, and earning her Masters Degree in Humanities from the University of Texas at Dallas. Aside from being with her children and grandchildren, Sylvia loved traveling the world with her husband, singing in the Chancel Choir, painting works of art, and participating in the annual Berkshire Choral Program in Berkshire, Massachusetts. Sylvia truly was a Renaissance Woman. Sylvia’s Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at 4:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Richardson, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to The Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).
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