Sylvia T. Owen, 69, of Newberry died peacefully Thursday, November 11, 2021 at Lexington Medical Center. Born on August 30, 1952 in Vallejo, CA to the late Harry L. and Jeanne Dibbetz Thomas. Though her career path had many twists and turns, Sylvia turned her passion for reading and teaching others into a lifelong calling. After her children had grown, Sylvia returned to school and received her Master's degree in English and Special Education. She then took her degree and applied it to helping others – working in the prison system to help others receive their GED, tutoring adults and children, and teaching those with learning challenges to read. She had a true gift of understanding a person's unique learning style and worked to find a way to teach them to read, when all other learning methods failed. Most recently, Sylvia was teaching her young grandson to read. Sylvia was active in her community, taking part in the downtown festivals with her sisters whenever possible. She attended First Baptist Church in Newberry and volunteered at different times at both the Newberry and Columbia Literacy Councils. She had a great sense of humor and loved life. Sylvia never took herself too seriously and never minded being the model for the latest 'crazy face' filter in pictures. She loved crocheting, her murder mystery shows and movies, watching-Fixer Upper on HGTV, reading a variety of books and the Bible on her Kindle, and, when time allowed, the lazy days her family could watch favorite movies together. Her life was an adventure, and Sylvia had a happy life. She was well traveled and always enjoyed adventures - from family cruise trips to Alaska and Bermuda, to camping at Hunting Island and Huntington Beach State Parks. She treasured and adored her two grandchildren. She was able to be present for her granddaughter's milestones in life to her wedding, and was able to help shape and mold her grandson's young years with the loving child care she provided. Her family was everything and she treasured being a Mom, Grandma, Oma, Sister and friend to all those dear to her. Sylvia will be remembered most for her caring and gracious spirit. She always put others first, focusing on what she could do for them, big and little things while asking little in return. Sylvia will be remembered for her true heart of gold. She is survived by her children, Eliza Owen (Andy) of Ladson, Jason Owen of Augusta, and Rebecca Owen of Newberry; grandchildren, Jazmine Cousino (Stephen) and Griffin Owen; siblings, Lenard Thomas (Marlene), Ellen Thomas, Lois Thomas, and Jerry Thomas (Michelle); and the father of her children, Robert Owen. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her paternal aunt and uncle, Don & Pat Forseth. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Sunday, November 21 at Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service starting at 1 PM. Memories and messages of comfort may be left for the family here on her tribute wall. Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to assist the family.