It is with heavy hearts and joyful hope that we announce the passing of our beloved Shirley Jean Sylvia, who was called home to eternity with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

Shirley, daughter of Fred and Bertha Hanks, began her 91 years in the town of Crowley, Louisiana. She had the joy of growing up in a modest home with four brothers, Woodrow, Fred Jr., Roger, and Ernie, as well as two sisters, Betty and Barbara, attending the local Assembly of God church alongside her grandparents.

Shirley was a faithful follower of the Lord from a young age, and she trusted that He had good plans for her life. Part of those plans included venturing out at the tender age of 15, boarding a bus alone, bound for her future. That bus brought her to Baytown, where she met the love of her life, Frank, and began building the beautiful life we were all blessed to be a part of.

Married for life at 17, Shirley and Frank welcomed four children, Debbie Sue, Frank James Jr., Troy Lynn, and Blake Daniel. The Sylvia home was full of joy and also the ups and downs of family life, and often, thanks to her boys, hijinks. This gave Shirley plenty of opportunities to do what she did best, which was pointing others to Christ. No matter the circumstances, Shirley knew the Lord and trusted Him, and she desired for her loved ones to have the same peace of assurance.

In life Shirley was a devoted wife, a caring mother, and a patient Nan. She lived a full life, which allowed her to pour into all those who God brought in her path. Those who knew Shirley well know she loved to fish. Time in a boat or on the bank was precious to her, but not as precious as the opportunities the Lord gave her to be a fisher of men. In her life that looked like sharing wisdom while serving ice tea in her café, teaching women's bible studies at the church she called home, Old River Baptist, singing "Jesus Loves You" and praying over her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, or rocking infants in the nursery so other mothers could grow in God's word.

Shirley was dedicated to doing the Lord's work. Even in the last moments of her time on earth, she was a vessel for the Lord as family and friends prayed together and praised Him for her life and influence, and a great grandson surrendered his life to Christ in response to her passing.

Shirley loved the Lord as scripture commands in Mark 12:30, with all her heart, soul, and strength. She also loved those around her deeply, which is why she always closed her letters with the same heartfelt message: "I love you, but Jesus loves you more." Shirley Jean "Nan" Sylvia was truly a good and faithful servant, who by the grace of God is now restored and with her savior in Heaven.

Shirley leaves behind a large and loving family, who will receive visitors at 1:00 pm at Old River Baptist Church on Sunday, July 19, with service to follow at 2:00 pm.

Our sweet Nan is survived by daughter Debbie and Robert Blackmon and their family, Melanie Wingo and daughters Haileigh, Kelsi, and Jaidynn; Boss and Martha Doucette and their sons Boss Jr., Beau, and Boone; Katie Cornelison and children Kaydence and Clark. Son Frank James "Jimmy" Jr. and Laura Lou Sylvia and their family, Jimbo (Frank James III) and Donna Sylvia and their sons Jay (Frank James IV), Flynn, and Fletcher; Kalli Sylvia and daughter Sylvi.

Son Troy Lynn, Regina Vincent, and Keela Sylvia and their family, Ryan and Melissa Sylvia and sons Drake and Noah; Brittney and Will Slater and children Josh, Nathan, Brayden, Brody, Sawyer, and William Jr; Kaci Sylvia and daughters Karleigh, Kynleigh, Kayleigh, and Kyleigh.

Son Blake and Maria Sylvia and their family Kassi and Aaron Hopper and sons Jack and Emmett (soon to arrive); Daniel Sylvia; Chase and Charlsie Sylvia and their children Demaris, Annie Jean, and Callum.

Shirley is preceded in death by her beloved husband Frank, her parents, Fred and Bertha, and her siblings Betty and Woodrow. Those who love her trust that she is now joined with them, singing with her whole heart, loud and proud at the feet of Jesus.