Sylvia Jean Font

Sylvia was born on February 22, 1942, in Grandfield, Oklahoma, to Pastor James and Betty DeFriend. She had two older sisters, Carolyn and Joanne. As in most ministerial families, she grew up in various Oklahoma communities, including Pikeville, Kentucky. They used to call her Pete because her father was disappointed they didn’t have a boy. She acquired a deep love for horses and most critters during her early years. Her fondest memories were of her registered Morgan horse, Juba-Lee, who she rode and pampered for over 12 years.

In 1960, after Sylvia graduated from Will Rodgers High School in Tulsa, OK, she studied Education at Park University, where she met and married Archie Font on April 25, 1964. After graduating with a Bachelor of Education, she started teaching at Fairfax Elementary in Fairfax, Virginia, just outside of Washington, DC, where Archie attended American University for his Masters in International Service. Archie entered military service in July 1966, and Sylvia accompanied him on most of his assignments.

In the spring of 1988, she completed her Masters of Education at the University of La Verne to enrich her teaching skills. In 2007, she retired from the Hemet Unified School District after accumulating 33 years of teaching in Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, Alaska, California, and Bangkok, Thailand. Multiple awards have recognized her love of children and dedication to excellence as Teach of the Year.

In retirement, Sylvia worked with various early childhood organizations to enhance their education. She continued traveling extensively abroad and loved exploring Europe, Africa, and the Far East.

Sylvia has touched many lives throughout her life with her unbridled joy, faith, and love. She shared her passion for God with all by word and deed. We celebrate a wonderful life.

Sylvia Font, 82, of Hemet, California, passed away peacefully at her home on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025, after a three-and-a-half-year battle with cancer.

Sylvia is predeceased by her parents and sister, Joanne. She is survived by her husband, Archie, and their three sons, Jason, Brad, and Michael, and leaves behind six precious grandchildren and three wonderful daughters-in-law.