Sylvia Mae Strickland, age 81, of Fredericktown, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Select Specialty Hospital in Newark, Ohio. She was born in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, on April 26, 1944, to the late Lloyd and Augusta (Price) Coey. Sylvia graduated from Reynoldsburg High School in 1962 and shortly after began her role as a mother of 4 boys and 1 girl.
Sylvia’s love for her children and God became her focus in life. Through the many years of sporting events, her children and recently her grandchildren, a voice was always heard from the crowd followed by a teammate stating, “Strickland your mom/grandma is here”. A very competitive soul but always their number one fan and never wanted to miss their accomplishments!!! Lately, she had her own cheerleader willing to ride wherever the next adventure was-Erma was ready to go. Sylvia was a longtime member of the Apostolic Christian Church in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Sylvia enjoyed working at church camp and the Sweet Corn Festival with her best friend Margaret for many years. Recently, she began joining the Seniors or Ladies Group of the church to play cards and take trips including one to Niagara Falls which she talked about for weeks.
Sylvia had a competitive soul even for professional sports. When that fall weather changed the season to Football time, you could find Sylvia in front of the TV telling the refs the calls they missed or should not have called. The receiver that should have caught that and of course on a Saturday, rooting for anyone that was playing against Ohio State.
Sylvia never met a stranger; she could carry on a conversation for hours and leave no doubt of her unwavering love she had for her family & her church. She would sometimes even give you a hug with a little prayer in your ear.
She is survived by her children, Leonard Strickland, Lloyd (Jodie) Strickland, Geary (Melissa) Strickland, Gregory (Michelle) Strickland, Malissa (Lucas) Clark; grandchildren, Brooke, Alissa, Andrew (Maria) Alexa, Jacob, Colton, Caroline, Jaxon, Audrina, Austin, Aubrey (Jon), Clayton, Brandon, Lilyan; great-grandchildren, Henry, Leah, Kyson; Brother, Berman (Margie) Coey and numerous nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents, Sylvia is preceded in death by her 4 brothers: Melvin, Nolan, Charles & Donald Coey, 1 brother-in-law: Bill Busch. 3 sisters-in-law Sharon, Sandy & Cathy.
The family is hosting a celebration of life service on Saturday, August 16th, 2025 at the Apostolic Christian Church, 1635 Old Delaware Rd, Mt. Vernon, OH 43050. In her memory, we welcome you to join us in sharing stories of Sylvia’s legacy. This will begin at 11:00am in the gymnasium, with food provided.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Apostolic Christian Church; 1635 Old Delaware Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio, 43050, or vernonchurch.org.
The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Sylvia Mae Strickland.
Funeral Home: Snyder
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com