Let Others Know About Sylvia.
Sylvia Ann Martin
​Age 82 passed away on
Saturday, June 29, 2024,
in Conroe, TX, surrounded by her family.
Sylvia, born in Lafayette, LA., on April 10, 1942, grew up in Rayne, LA.. She was an adored wife, mother, sister, cousin, friend, and teacher. She has been a generous soul throughout her 82 years. She dedicated her time, talent, and creativity to showering her husband, family, friends, church, and students with love and care.
Her compassionate nature inspired her to pursue a degree in education from the University of Southwestern Louisiana. After graduating, she began a rewarding journey as an elementary school teacher at Ross Elementary School in Crowley, LA. Driven by a sense of purpose, she directed her skills towards educating in marginalized areas, aiming to make a significant difference. Sylvia retired from Lincoln Road Primary School in Alexandria, LA, where she taught from 1982-2002. Known as Ms. Martin to many in Alexandria, she was recognized for her innovative organization of school and church events that showcased the skills and accomplishments of the young people she taught and mentored.
Sylvia was a dedicated member of St. Juliana Catholic Church in Alexandria and enjoyed fellowshipping at St. James Catholic Church. She raised her children in St. Juliana, and among various roles, her most cherished was being in the choir. She was also a faithful member of the Ladies Auxillary Court #268 for over 40 years.
Sylvia shared most of her life with her husband, Gilbert of 58 years. Gilbert's career in the Air Force allowed them to leave their small hometown of Rayne, LA., where they met and married, to explore the world. Their greatest adventure was raising their three children: Daniel, Nicole, and Tiffani.
Sylvia is truly remarkable as an elementary school teacher, but her greatest lesson shone through during her fight against stage four ovarian cancer. Throughout her journey, she held onto unwavering faith in the healing power of God, facing chemotherapy and doctor's appointments with a smile and spreading gratitude and hope. She explored art classes as a form of therapy, uncovering a hidden talent. Some of her paintings are showcased at the Rapides Parish Library, Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch.
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After 18 years of fighting, Sylvia succumbed to a combination of health issues. During her final weeks in the hospital, she became known as the pretty lady with the beautiful eyes, expressing gratitude to her caretakers and showing concern for others. As much as she wanted to continue watching her family growing up and expanding, she was tired and ready to go home to rest forever, healthy and strong, in the arms of her savior, Jesus Christ.​​
​She is preceded in death by her mother, Mary Carmouche-Joseph; her father, Oveal Walker; sisters, Catherine Walker and Priscilla Jordan; and several aunts and uncles who helped raise her.
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Sylvia is survived by her husband, Gilbert Martin; son, Daniel Martin; daughters Nicole Harper and Tiffani Davis; bonus daughter, Anna Brown; her favorite sons-in-law, Wil Davis and James Harper; favorite daughter-in-law Nathalie Martin; grandchildren, Donovan and Justin (Daniel), Brandon “BJ’, Keilan, Jaydon and Joryan (Nicole), Brian, Jordan, Sidni (Tiffani) and Chelsea (Anna); her grandson-in-law, Markel; her great-grandchildren, Keilan Jr. ‘KJ’, Jayce, Rayne, Zoë, Ana, and Caleb; her brothers, Oveal Walker, Harold Lynn Walker, and Earl Walker. And she leaves behind a host of beloved family and friends who will miss her dearly.
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​One of Sylvia’s favorite songs was I Can Only Imagine. The song says,
Surrounded by Your glory, What will my heart feel? Will I dance for you Jesus, Or in awe of You be still? Will I stand in your presence, Or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
One day, we will ask you what you did, Sylvia, when surrounded by His glory. And, for now, we imagine you at peace in your glorified body, no longer suffering. Be at peace, thank you for your love and guidance that will be with us always.​
A mass for Sylvia will be held at the Shrine of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church on Saturday, July 13, 2024, 707 Lyman Avenue, Rayne, Louisiana, at 11:00 a.m. and immediately following a memorial/repast at the Rayne Civic Center Auditorium, 112 Frog Festival Drive, Rayne, LA.
Continuing Sylvia’s legacy of giving, we kindly ask, in lieu of sending flowers, to donate to a Memorial Fund created in her honor at Kingdom Family Ministry, a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions will be used to purchase books for the Historic Bunche Library, established in 1953 to help educate African Americans during segregation in Rayne, LA, and provide school supplies for children in disadvantaged areas, aligning with Sylvia's dedication to educating and empowering youth. For further information, please reach out to her daughter, Tiffani Davis- tiffani@kingdomfamilyministry.org.