Sylvia Jean (Helton) Hoke

Born on December 17, 1938 in Catawba County, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Ruby Helton. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Loyd T. Hoke Jr., her brother, Rodney and her sister, Janice Stohlmann.

Sylvia’s formal education began at Kenworth Elementary School, Hickory High School which she graduated, and she was a graduate of Lenoir Rhyne College with an AB degree in English.

Sylvia met Loyd at Lenoir Rhyne College and after graduation they married. They settled in Hickory and both started their teaching careers with Catawba County Schools. Sylvia taught at Mt. View Elementary School and Fred T. Foard High School and St. Stephens High School. Sylvia was a member of St. Stephens Lutheran Church (ELCA) where she served as the church librarian and was a member of the choir. Sylvia wrote a complete history of the three Lutheran churches, Miller’s Lutheran, St. Stephens Lutheran Missouri and St. Stephens ELCA. After retirement she and Loyd maintained vegetable gardens from which they sold vegetables from their home. Sylvia loved to do needlework, and her many finished pieces graced the walls of her home.

She was a wonderful wife to Loyd and supported many of his endeavors. Sylvia was a wonderful mother to Susan and Chris; they were her pride and joy. Sylvia was an excellent cook and baker. Her Christmas cookies were the best! During retirement, she and Loyd, travelled to Washington and Canada, spent weeks at Hilton Head and travelled by bus tours to various areas of our country.

Sylvia is survived by her daughter, Susan and her husband Robert who lives in Bellingham, Washington; her son Chris and his wife Becky who lives in Ferguson, NC; two grandchildren and one great grandchild. She is also survived by her brother, Richard (Wanda) and Martha Barham (Joel) and her nieces and nephews.

Throughout her life, Sylvia was a beloved presence—steady in spirit, generous in heart, and attentive to the needs of others. She carried herself with a quiet strength shaped by resilience, meeting life with determination and an unmistakable feistiness. Her thoughtful nature showed in the way she noticed people, listened closely, and offered care in ways both practical and sincere.

Sylvia was, in every sense, a caregiver to everyone. Time and again, she placed others before herself, giving freely of her energy and compassion. Her kindness was not merely spoken; it was lived—through selfless acts, through perseverance, and through the consistent comfort she brought to those around her.

Above all, Sylvia was faithful to God. Her faith provided a lasting foundation and a guiding light, reflected in the way she loved, served, and remained steadfast through the seasons of life.

Sylvia’s last years were at Wilkes Assisted Living where she delighted in playing Bingo. She was a very special lady, and you could always find her to be truthful, loving and kind. She will be deeply missed.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Stephens Lutheran Church ELCA. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 until 1:45 p.m. in the Chapel at the church. Rev. Michael Collins will officiate the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.