Sylvia Bodiford

Sylvia Ann Bodiford, 88, passed away peacefully onThursday, October 1, 2026, in the comfort of St. Joseph's Palliative Comfort Care.

Sylvia was born on December 22, 1937, in Gilchrist County, Florida, to Jean and Reba Lancaster. Growing up in Chiefland, Florida, she learned the values of hard work and community early in life while working on her father’s farm and helping run their rural family store. She excelled academically, graduating as the Salutatorian of Chiefland High School in 1956.

Following high school, Sylvia attended Jones Business College in Jacksonville, Florida, where she met the love of her life, James "Deck" Bodiford. The two were married on January 3, 1958, beginning a beautiful journey together, until his passing on March 24 th, 2002. Following business college, Sylvia worked as an Executive Assistant at Division of Forestry in Perry, Florida. Upon moving to Reidsville, Georgia, she began a long, dedicated career at The Tattnall Bank, where she worked for 34 years before her well-deserved retirement.

A woman of deep and enduring faith, Sylvia devoted much of her life to her spiritual community. She was deeply involved in spiritual work with the Reidsville United Methodist Church and subsequently with Grace Pointe Church, as well as The Seekers Bible Study Group where she shared her warmth, servant's heart, and love for the Lord with all who knew her.

Sylvia was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend who anchored her family with grace, humor, and unconditional love. Her deep roots in the community and her foundational years in Chiefland shaped her into a resilient, warm, and generous woman who always put her loved ones first.

She is survived by her loving children, Brent Bodiford and Lisa Sawyer; her cherished grandchildren, Blair Bodiford, Brian Sawyer, and Megan Sawyer; and her precious great-grandchild Zoe. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 43 years, James "Deck" Bodiford, who passed away on March 24, 2002, as well as her parents, Jean and Reba Lancaster.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 6th from 10:00 to 11:00 at the funeral home. A funeral service at 11:00 AM at Low Country Cremation and Burial, with interment to follow at the Reidsville City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Children Hospital.

Low Country Cremation and Burial has the honor to serve the Bodiford family.