Sybil Petet Behrndt

Sybil Lowrance Behrndt of Raleigh, NC went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at the age of 99. She was born on May 25,1925 in Lakeview, Georgia. She grew up in a loving family and she was the oldest of seven children. Many times, we would hear her say, “I helped my mom with the younger ones. So, I decided I only needed two.” And her two children, Hal and Lecia, are privileged to call her mom.

When Sybil married Harold, she became a dutiful wife going many places the Navy took her precious husband. When the Navy took Harold out to sea, she stayed behind taking care of Hal and Lecia, waiting to celebrate Harold’s return home. The Navy took Harold and Sybil to Charleson, SC in 1959 and when Harold and Sybil retired from the Navy, they continued to make North Charleston their home.

Sybil was a very gifted seamstress. She worked as a seamstress during World War II making uniforms for the troops. Later, she worked at Manhattan Shirt Company in Charleston, SC stitching down collars. When her daughter took her to a dress shop to show her the dress or any clothing items she wanted, Sybil came home, made the item with love and you never knew the clothing was handmade. In fact, many times her clothing was better than what was at the high-end dress shop. Her grandchildren never wore anything but “Gran Gran” PJs when they were young.

In 2014, Sybil moved to Raleigh, NC to be closer to family. Sybil quickly called Raleigh her home. She was blessed to have a wonderful Sunday School class to love her. She loved her Thursday Senior Games. How she loved being at the table playing Chickenfoot with her friends. In fact, the players even have a move named for her, “The Sybil Effect”. She felt loved by her church family and many times her family saw church members hugging Sybil wondering who they were.

Her family have wonderful memories of Sybil, including her antics. Her grandchildren were always getting a flick on their “gosier” and they looked for their opportunity to return the favor. She loved being called “the old fossil who came over on the Mayflower” by family members. We will always cherish the sweet memories. Her family and friends were blessed to call her mom, sister, Gran Gran, Aunt, cousin and friend.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Harold Wilson Lowrance, Sr. and her second husband, Marvin Behrndt. In addition, she is preceded in death by her parents James Harrison Petet and Lilly Walker Petet, her sisters, Montene Powell, Imogene Merritt, Christene Hackney, brother, James Petet, her niece, Carol Withrow and nephew, Mike Merritt.

Sybil is survived by her children, Hal (Brenda) Lowrance, Lecia Lowrance Martin of Raleigh, NC. Her six grandchildren: Allen (Sarah) Lowrance of Rock Hill, SC, Bryan (Lisa) Lowrance of Raleigh, NC, Jennifer Britt of Lake City, SC. Krystal (Jason) McCutcheon of Scranton,SC, Chrissy Mizzell of Summerville, SC and Diane (Larry Brown) Stodola of North Charleston, SC. She is also survived by fourteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter and her sisters, Shirley (Harold) Nations and Jessie Ratcliff, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Pam Sambola and CJ for the care, compassion and love they showed Sybil and being a part of Team Sybil. In addition, a special thanks to the devoted team at Transitions Life Care.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 5th at Trinity Baptist Church 4815 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC, 27609 at 11 am. Visitation with the family will begin following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Sybil’s honor to the Senior Ministry of Trinity Baptist Church or Transitions Life Care.

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