Sylvia Elder Denny

Sylvia Elder Denny, 91, of Lynchburg, Va., passed away peacefully on December 28, 2022. Born on November 25, 1931, in Lynchburg, Sylvia was the daughter of the late Richard Oliver Elder and Marie Pillow Griffin. She was predeceased by her husband John Howard Denny, sister Francis Hunter (Red House, VA), and brother Kenneth Elder (Lynchburg, VA). Sylvia is survived by her sons John (Sharon) of Washington, D.C., and David (Laurie) of Potomac Falls, VA.

After graduating from Lynchburg College in 1953, Sylvia worked and/or volunteered at various libraries, including Aberdeen Proving Ground (Korean War), Fort Early, Jones Memorial, Lynchburg Public Library and retiring from Lynchburg College (University of Lynchburg) Library in 1996. Sylvia learned to play the piano at an early age and continued her love of music throughout her life. She was a member of the Lynchburg College Choir (student), Lynchburg Fine Art Center Chorus, Jefferson Choral Society, and Fort Hill United Methodist Church and Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church choirs. She was a cast member of many musicals at the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center including The Sound of Music and six of the Gilbert & Sullivan Operettas.

While raising her two boys, she volunteered for many organizations in and around Lynchburg including the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center, Lynchburg Public Schools, and the American Red Cross. Sylvia was also a long-time member of Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 6, 2023, at Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church, 5810 Fort Avenue in Lynchburg VA. In lieu of flowers and to honor Sylvia’s love for music, contributions can be made to the Jefferson Choral Society (www.JeffersonChoralSociety.org).

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.