MRS. SYLVIA PEARL (BEBLEY) BARNETTE

Sylvia Pearl Barnette, age 89, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of strength, love, and devotion to her family. Born on March 29, 1936, Sylvia was the third eldest of six children, born to Walter C., Sr. and Lillian N. Bush Bebley (Thurman). Sylvia attended Indianapolis Public Schools #4 and Crispus Attucks High School, where she graduated with the Class of 1953.

Sylvia was united in marriage to Joseph L. Barnette on July 26, 1958. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, resilience, and family values. She was a devoted mother to her daughters, Kathy C. Patterson (William L. Patterson, deceased, 1997), Kelly J. Toliver (Forest S. Toliver, deceased, 2020).

Sylvia got her first job at Neubauer Department Store on Indiana Avenue. She was also employed at 7-Eleven Groceries.  Sylvia later gained employment at Eli Lilly & Company, where she retired in 1993 after 31 years in pharmaceutical production.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, Walter C. Bebley, Sr. and Lillian Bebley (Thurman); brothers, Paul Bebley and Walter C. Bebley, Jr.; sister, Joyce I. White (Frank White, Sr., deceased 2025), and beloved grandsons, Brian K. Barnette and Brandon K. Woodfork.

Sylvia also leaves behind two siblings, Michael Bebley (Donna) and Fredrick Bebley; grandchildren, Ryan A. Patterson (ShaNae), Colby M. Woodfork, William L. Patterson, II (Ashley), Joseph A. Patterson (Kelly), and Lynette A. Winston; great-grandchildren who she loved dearly, Amaya, Micah, Elijah, ShaRiya, Kendall, Serenity, Rylan, Syn’Cere, Zion, Skylar, Teagan, and William, III, along with a host of nieces and nephews, and four generations of cousins who she treasured.

Sylvia was known for her quiet strength and determination. Sylvia was truly a courageous woman and a fighter to the very end. She faced life’s challenges with grace and perseverance, and her love will continue to live on through the generations she helped shape.

Sylvia Pearl Barnette will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her unwavering spirit, her compassion, and the love she poured into her family.

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