Sylvia Readling Arthurs

Sylvia Readling Arthurs died peacefully in her sleep in the early morning of Saturday, July 27th, 2024. After a long battle with COPD and Dementia, she has now entered into her eternal home. She was born on March 1,1939 to the late Marvin Greer Readling and Ruth Newton Readling. She is survived by daughters Donna Hedgpeth of Sanford and Beverly Cheek (Andy) of Charlotte; and 2 loving granddaughters Rachel Bauer (Stephen) and Emily Cheek (fiancé Jacob). She was preceded in death by her husband David Franklin Arthurs and by siblings Brenda Rapp and Ronald Readling.

Sylvia was born and raised in Mooresville, NC where she met her beloved David at high school band camp. They married in 1960 and moved to Raleigh, NC where Sylvia served as a Critical Care nurse for 28 years at Rex hospital. She always worked night shift so she could be home and available for her family during the day. Dinner was always on the table by 5:30pm where the family ate together and discussed their day. Her hobbies included reading, sewing, music, traveling, baking and bird watching. She also spent 25+ years making the world a more beautiful place as THE premier Mary Kay lady.

Sylvia’s life revolved around the themes of Service and Loyalty. She served patients, customers and friends. She was a prolific card-sender and could always be counted on when a friend was in need. But the main object of her service and loyalty was her family. She poured her energy and passion into raising her daughters. She worked three jobs at times to provide every opportunity that allowed them to experience life to the fullest. She never missed a school experience, concert, piano recital, field trip, etc even if it meant losing sleep and showing up to an event with two different color shoes on her feet. She was incredibly proud of the women they became. Little could equal that pride until her granddaughters came along, giving her the opportunity to spoil them completely, which she accomplished very well. However, the main object of her love was always David, who she loved and served faithfully for 59 years until his death. Even as dementia stole her humanity, she was always seeking and asking for him. We rejoice that they are together again!

Sylvia’s family will be receiving friends at 3:00pm prior to the Celebration of Life Service at 4:00pm on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 in the Chapel of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home on Wake Forest Road in Raleigh, NC.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either:  Amedisys Foundation, 3854 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge LA 70816 or Dementia Alliance of NC, 9131 Anson Way, Suite 206, Raleigh NC 27615.