Sylvia Tilley

Sylvia Lou Coker Tilley, known as (Ms. Sybil) and (Sibbie) passed away on May 28, 2026, at DCH Tuscaloosa at the age of 85. A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Corinth Baptist Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Bro. Wayne Duren and Rev. Donald Springer will officiate. Burial will follow in the Corinth Church Cemetery, with Sunset Funeral Home directing.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and Hoyt Coker Sr.; her husband, Ronald Tilley Sr.; her daughter, Sherry Wheat; and her brothers, Mark Coker and Hoyt Coker Jr.

She is survived by her daughter, Mickey Gandy; her son, Billy Wheat; her stepson, Ronald Tilley Jr.; and her sisters, Brenda Sewell and Susan Coker. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Christopher Kelley and Jeremy Kelley (Tiffany); and her great-grandchildren, Lailah, Kinsley, Jax, Harrison, Malana, River, Jace, and Zack. Her nephews Thomas Algoe (Jacqueline), Ted Algoe, Lane Coker, Michael Turner, Alex Coker (Leah), and Clint Duren; along with her great-nieces and great-nephews, Hoyt, Indy, Blake, Katelin, Keele, Savannah, Dalton, Alyssa, Riley.

Pallbearers will be Christopher Kelley, Jeremy Kelley, Clint Duren, Alex Coker, Jax Kelley, Billy Wheat, Michael Turner, and Wayne Duren.

Sylvia was the oldest of five children born to Gladys and Hoyt Coker Sr. She was born on May 27, 1941, and lived most of her life in the Elrod community. She dedicated 54 years as a school bus driver (Bus 16) for the Tuscaloosa County School System, serving the Elrod, Buhl, Coker, and Northport areas. During her career, she drove for many Schools such as Tuscaloosa County High School, Northport Junior High School, Buhl Elementary School, and Sipsey Valley middle and high schools. She also drove for A program called Team Target for 16 years for Buhl, Westwood, Flatwood, and Crestmont Elementary Schools. She also helped train many drivers along the way and was a strong influence in the School Bus Road E-O. Known lovingly as the “Queen of Bus 16,” driving the bus was one of Sylvia’s greatest joys, and she served with a humble heart. She had a special gift for children and a deep passion for serving her community. Sylvia also worked for many years at Fuzzy’s Restaurant, where she served not only food but countless smiles. She retired in the summer of 2025. Sylvia was a devoted member of Corinth Baptist Church where she served faithfully in many areas. She loved the Lord and was dedicated to her church, often spending more time there than at home. She had a remarkable talent for both indoor and outdoor work, especially tending to her flowers and making everything around her beautiful. Known for her unmatched work ethic, Sylvia could work outwork any man or woman. She opened her pool to the community, finding great joy in bringing people together, and her home was a gathering place for family and friends for many years. Her cooking was unforgettable she was known for all her cooking but really for her fried apple pies. Years ago, she became widely known for decorating her home with Christmas lights, drawing visitors from far and wide. Her display was even featured by James Spann on the 10:00 news one time. Sylvia also loved to go to the firemen’s lodge for dancing and fun with friends. Before her sickness Sylvia was an on-the-go lady. Sylvia will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her passing leaves a tremendous void, but we find comfort in knowing she is now with the Lord and completely healed. Even through a difficult final year, she fought bravely, astonishing doctors with her strength and determination. Those who knew Sylvia knew she was a force to be reckoned with—a sassy yet classy lady with a big heart. She spoke her mind with honesty, leaving no gray areas, and her wit carried her through all life’s challenges.

Honorary pallbearers include Corinth Baptist Church; past and present employees of the Tuscaloosa County School System Transportation Department; friends of the Buhl, Elrod, Coker, and Holman communities; The Coker and Northport Garden Clubs; the McDonald’s Coffee Club; Dr. Sunil Chandra; Joanna Clements; Dr. Monica Bui and the staff at DCH Tuscaloosa; Brandy Williams; and the Old Firemen’s Lodge.

Our Family thanks everyone for their call’s visits text ETC and HUGE outpouring of love and support during Sylvias sickness and even afterwards. It is warm and loving people that have kept us going. This Journey was hard, but the Lord puts people in our path to help make the load lighter. Her Sisters where her biggest advocates during her sickness. Thank you Susan and Brenda for your love and loyalty to your sister. And helping care for her During her last days. You both made them brighter.

We all Love you Sylvia This is not goodbye—it is “I’ll see you later.” Her last breath here was her first breath in Heaven. The only scars in heaven are the ones that hold you now. Psalms 23:The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2, He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3, He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5, Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6, Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever AMEN