Sylvia Spinner

Sylvia began her life here, in Lynchburg, on June 3, 1947, then she was off like a lightning strike. 

She was a straight 'A' student. I think she even made an 'A' in 'sandbox'. Sylvia loved Jehovah's creation. There were many hours and long drives through the beautiful mountains of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline Drive while Dad taught about every tree and flower. He exposed us to such beautiful scenery that could only have been created by God. This probably influenced Sylvia's lifelong passion for art. As a child Sylvia would create what visually impressed her on notebook paper. Moving forward, Sylvia attended many colleges receiving multiple cultural arts certifications. In turn she memorialized many forms on canvas. But her greatest art was talking. This art turned into her lifelong love and lifesaving ministry speaking about her God, Jehovah. She was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in her mid-teens. Soon Sylvia was serving in the full time ministry as a Pioneer. Sylvia served many decades as a Pioneer teaching and preaching. She was asked to serve in many other places including the then fledgling congregation in Palmyra Va., Elkton Va., Winston Salem NC., Harrisonburg Va. and other places. Sylvia served with the courage of a lion. One stand out experience that we often spoke of was during a Bible Study. Some opposed it, but this person wanted to study the Bible so they proceeded. During one study a man shows up in a threatening manner with a hatchet. What do you do?!? Well she figured that the situation was already beyond escape so she reasoned to continue to serve Jehovah, depending on HIS protection. She proceeded with the study. After some anxious moments he left. We don't particularly advise anyone to do that but that was Sylvia. There is no telling what else she may have overcome.

Her courageous stand for the truth resulted in many spiritual daughters and sons. Sylvia became sick and had to slow down but she never stopped proclaiming Jehovah's word. She finally had to enter Liberty Ridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Home where she resided for a few years. Sylvia was loved and cared for there. We can't thank the staff enough. Sylvia went to sleep on January 20, 2025, at 77 years of age, now awaiting the paradise that she has talked about to so many. 

Sylvia was preceded in death by her father Earl Exxsex Spinner, her Mother Esther Mae (Davis) Spinner, and her sister Naomi Ann Spinner. 

Sylvia is survived by two brothers, Earl M. Spinner and John C. Spinner (Regina). There are two nieces and three nephews and numerous great nieces, nephews and cousins. There are numerous spiritual children and families left to cherish her memory.

Sleep now. We will soon see you in paradise.

A service will be held at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 3 P.M. There will be a live zoom video of the service. ID number: 89249079727 and Password: 499907

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.