Sylvia Arlene Auten

**July 30, 1936 – May 24, 2026**

Sylvia Arlene Morgan Auten, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away at the age of 89 on May 24, 2026, due to complications from congestive heart failure and vascular dementia.

Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, on July 30, 1936, Sylvia was the eldest of four children born to Ella and Wilbur Morgan. Raised with a strong work ethic, she began her journey of industry early in life delivering newspapers as a young girl and working in a local drug store as a teenager. These foundational experiences shaped her character. Throughout her life, she brought her tenacious spirit to a variety of roles, including positions with the Bell Phone Company, Montgomery Ward, the construction industry, and the Wilmington Special Olympics.

On August 31, 1957, Sylvia married James Robert Auten in Wheeling, WV, beginning a partnership that would span nearly seven decades.

Sylvia led a life defined by service, activity, and a deep engagement with the world around her. She was a long-standing and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Since joining the Church in 1968, she remained highly active, holding multiple callings and serving in many capacities with faithfulness and dedication.

A woman of diverse talents and interests, Sylvia was deeply involved in the political scene for most of her life. Her commitment to civic duty was evident in her long service as a volunteer poll worker for numerous local and national elections. She was also a dedicated, long-time member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Beyond politics, she possessed a lifelong love for sports. A true athlete at heart, she played softball & basketball in the Church women’s league, and she was a familiar presence on the court as a basketball referee. She remained physically active well into her later years, participating in the local senior center’s cheerleading squad, The Golden PomPoms, which performed all over Wilmington, including at UNCW basketball games.

She enjoyed gardening and making pretty things grow along with having maintained food gardens at many points during her life. Sylvia also had a compassionate heart when it came to animals, and had many dogs and cats over the years, many of whom were rescues. Family history and genealogy were alife-long passion of hers, and she enjoyed getting to know her ancestors through this hobby. Music also held a special place in her life. She played the cornet in both marching and concert band during her high school years and later shared her love of music with her daughters by teaching them to play the piano.

Before leaving the Northern Virginia/Washington DC area for retirement, she was a member of the Vienna Community Orchestra. She also had a lovely soprano voice, and participated in many local, regional church and community choirs for decades.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, her son-in-law, Daniel Michaely, and her grandson, Russell Larsen.

She is survived by her loving husband, James Robert Auten; her four daughters, Kathleen (Craig) Smith, Susan Michaely, Jaymie Auten, and Serena (Brian) Pace; her three younger siblings; 19 of her 20 grandchildren; and 34 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way in July, all of whom were her pride and joy.

She will be remembered for her unwavering work ethic, her dedication to her faith and family, her vibrant participation in her community, and her wonderful sense of humor.

The viewing to be held at 9:30 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 514 S. College Rd. in Wilmington, NC. Service is to follow at 11:00 am. Those attending are encouraged to wear red, white or blue colors.