Sylvia Wyatt (nee Bowen), passed away May 12, 2022 at the age of 89 in the comfort of her home of 66 years. Sylvia was born at home in Comanche, OK to Cecil (Pete) and Minnie Bowen. Her family was part of the Dust Bowl migration to California. She and her parents lived in the Sunset Labor Camp in Lamont, but due to the lack of jobs the family had to move back to Oklahoma. The family came back to California in 1943 and permanently settled in the Greenfield area. The family home her father built from a catalog kit is still standing today at 212 McKee Road.
Sylvia attended grade school in the Greenfield Union Elementary School District. She graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1951. Sylvia Married Don E. Wyatt in October of 1952. The couple had three daughters; Karen, Pamela, and Donna. Their marriage ended in the mid 1960s. Sylvia briefly worked for a custom drapery shop before entering the retail sales field. Sylvia worked as a sales clerk at Harry Coffee’s store located in the Valley Plaza Mall, but she needed a full time position and in 1972 she joined J. C. Penney’s on Columbus Street. She worked at the College Center location until it closed in 1991. She then transferred to the new Valley Plaza store. Sylvia retired in 1995 after 24 years at Penney’s. She had lasting friendships with many of her co-workers and still was in contact with some of the younger women until her passing.
Sylvia was a great cook and baker. Peach or apricot cobbler, coconut cream pie, lemon pie,pumpkin pie, and many more deserts could not be passed up. Her pot roast dinner and her fried chicken dinner were just some of the things her family liked best. Sylvia was an avid reader all of her life until age related issues kept her from doing so. She enjoyed working in her yard, crochet, napping on her patio swing,and the many cats and dogs the family had through the years. Sylvia also loved the annual Morro Bay camping trip with the extended family group. This tradition started with her parents and has continued through five generations. She also enjoyed many trips to New York, the last one being in 2007 when her daughter Donna moved back to Bakersfield. Pismo beach was another favorite destination for her birthday- always with an ocean view at the Sea Gypsy motel.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her daughter Pam Doyle, nephew Randy Hackleman, and brother-in-law Norman (Shorty) Hackleman. Sylvia is survived by her daughters Karen Wyatt, Donna Wyatt and son-in-law Bob Jones; her siblings Sue Hackleman and Ed Bowen (wife Cloeta). Sylvia is also survived by granddaughter Michelle Fambrough (husband Eric) and their children Wesley, Ella, and Sophia. Her great grandchildren were the absolute joy of her later years. She is also survived by grandson Christian Doyle ( fiance Sandy). The couple are to be married this June 3rd in Morro Bay. She is also survived by niece Mary Norton (husband Mike), their children Lizzie (husband Kyle), Myka, and Nate; niece Tracey Spears and son Colby; nephew Terry Hackleman (wife Deborah),their children Christina, Jeffrey (wife Jacquelyn), their children Blayke and Elle, and niece Robin.
We thank Mike Doyle for his love and devotion to Mom during her last days. He was a blessing to her and us.
We were very lucky to have had this past Easter with Mom. She had a good day and saw most of her extended family, so they have a good happy memory of her. Family was Sylvia’s most beloved possession. Sylvia had a life well lived,but she will be very much missed by all who knew and loved her. The family would like to thank everyone at Hoffman Hospice for their compassionate care and support during this time.
Graveside services are Friday, May 20th at 2:00 P.M., Hillcrest Memorial Park, Whispering Pines area.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com for the Wyatt family.
