Sylvia was born on March 25, 1925 in Braintree, Essex, England, to Thomas George Orrin and Adelaide Daisy (Sharp) Orrin. An only child, Sylvia grew up in England during a time of tremendous change and hardship. After marrying during World War II, she came to the United States, where she built a life, raised her family, and proudly became a United States citizen in the 1950s.
While Sylvia worked in factories and retail positions during her younger years, her true passion was caring for her family. A devoted homemaker, she took great pride in creating a warm and loving home. She was a talented seamstress who lovingly made clothing for her family and an exceptional cook who expressed her love through the meals she prepared. Sylvia treasured teaching her children and grandchildren family recipes and cooking skills that will continue to be passed down through generations.
Family was the center of Sylvia's life, and she was treasured by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas George Orrin and Adelaide Daisy (Sharp) Orrin; her husbands, Alfred King, Johnnie Hartwell, and James Gibson; her son, Wayne Thomas King.
Sylvia is survived by her daughters, Beverley Adelaide Sheffield (David) of Haysville, Kansas and Sylvia Faye Trogdon (Jim) of Derby, Kansas; her grandchildren, Thomas Wayne King (Lori), Renee Lynn Holgate (Robert), David Scott Sheffield, Stanley John Bogdan III (Briana), and Miranda Nicole Tyler (Kenny); and many beloved great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Sylvia's kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and friends touched the lives of all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the family she nurtured, the traditions she passed down, and the countless memories she created. She will be forever loved and deeply missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing her.
"Those we love don't go away; They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near."
Visitation will be held on June 6, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am with a funeral service following at 10:00 am at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W. Hwy 54, Wichita, Kansas 67209. A committal service will immediately follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory in the Garden of Love.
