Sylvia Gentry Richardson

Marion, Va.

Sylvia Gentry Richardson age 88, of Marion, VA, passed away Monday, December 25, 2023.

She was born on August 7, 1935 in Buckingham County, VA and lived for over 60 years in Marion. Sylvia was a loving mother, gifted teacher, and an extremely versatile and talented artist. She dedicated her life to her family and growing the arts in the Appalachian Region. While Sylvia was best known for her colorful quilts, she also made incredibly creative woven baskets, scarves, and wearable art such as vests. Her quilts won multiple blue ribbons and have been featured in books, magazines, and newspapers. She was instrumental in the revival of the Lincoln Theatre and helped coordinate and promote the Annual Hungry Mother Arts and Crafts Festival. Sylvia also traveled around Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia teaching quilting classes. She was also an avid tennis player who won the Smyth County Women’s Doubles Championship. She loved playing tennis with friends and family. Sylvia attended Fluvanna High School and later pursued higher education at Virginia Commonwealth University where she majored in elementary education.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Emmett Vynston Richardson Jr., and her parents Gordon and Roseabel Gentry.

Sylvia is survived by her children, Ric, Brent, Ryan, and Anne Richardson. She also leaves behind a legacy with her grandchildren, Blake, Drew, Kyle, Carter, Griffin, Ainsley, Jack Ryan, Nolan, and Caylynn, as well as her great-grandson Zachary. She was a beloved mother-in-law to Marianne, Melanie, and Carina, and a cherished grandmother-in-law to Carly and Jess. Sylvia is also survived by her sister Jeanne Gentry Keck, brother Gordon Gentry Jr., and several nieces and nephews and their families.

She was a member of the Marion First United Methodist Church, where the family will receive friends Monday, January 01, 2024 from 10 until 11 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. with Reverend James Bennington officiating. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Food Pantry at the Marion First United Methodist Church, 115 South Church Street, Marion VA 24354.

To share memories of Sylvia Gentry Richardson, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Sylvia has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion, VA 24354.