A Funeral Service for Sylvia Whitmore, 81 of Vacaville, will be 4:30 P.M. Saturday, May 4th, 2019 at Church of the Epiphany 300 West Street in Vacaville.

Sylvia passed away on the morning of April 26, 2019. She was born in Newton le-Willows, Lancashire England on June 20, 1937, the older of two daughters born to Alexander & Leila Broughton. She grew up in Thrapston, Northants, England with her sister Madge. After leaving school at 15, Sylvia attended Kettering Technical College and did a 2-year secretarial course learning shorthand and typing. After that she worked as a secretary at Thrapston town council. After leaving there Sylvia worked for American Express banking group at Molesworth  Air Force Base, near Thrapston, where she met her future husband, James F Whitmore, a SSGT with the USAF.

Sylvia and Jim were married in England, July 1962. When stationed at Travis AFB they settled at Vacaville Ca. in 1963. They had 4 children; Deanna, Philip, Nicola, and Erin, in their 18 years of marriage.

Sylvia was a strong woman, dedicated to her faith and an active member of Epiphany Episcopal Church since the late 1960's, where she spent countless hours planning and participating in ministries such as;  Church Women United (CWU), Vacaville as Vice-President in 1974, and President of CWU in 1975, Cursillo, Altar Guild, Lay Ministry, Prison Ministry at CMF, Soup Kitchen, serving on the Vestry, and many other areas. She was installed to the Order of the Daughters of the King (DOK) in April 1988 and served as president of the Holy Light chapter from 1995-2000. The usual term for DOK president is 3 years, but Sylvia was elected to 2 consecutive terms. Her 2 ^nd term was interrupted due to health issues, causing her to leave office.

Sylvia resided in Vacaville for over 50 years. Raising her 4 children as a single parent was a challenge that she met with equal strength, dedication and faith. She operated an in-home childcare center from 1980 – 1997, that provided safe, loving, nurturing care for numerous children over the years. Families that needed extended hours of care could count on Sylvia, who always made a way to help. In later years Sylvia provided care of live-in adult Alzheimer clients.

When asked how her granddaughter, Shannon, will  remember her, she responded;

"Sylvia is remembered for being accepting of all cultures, races, and life style groups. She never turned away anyone who asked for help. Worked 24/7 providing care for other single moms and families in need – even if it meant overnights and weekends. She was always full of affection and love. Laughed when it was time to laugh and cried when it was time to cry. She considered her words before responding to others. She didn't criticize other people's efforts.

I will be happy and smile when I remember her smile.

I will look for her in the kindness I see in others.

I will remember not to hold back affection because she never withheld it from me."

Sylvia is survived by:

Sister - Madge & Jack Lettin, of Thrapston England

Nephew - Daryl Lettin, of Thrapston England

Niece - Loretta Lettin, of Nottingham England

Great-Niece - Emma Dexter, of Nottingham England

Great-Nephew – Thomas Dexter, of Nottingham England

Daughter - Deanna & Kevin Carpenter, of Vacaville, CA

Granddaughter - Shannon Evan, of Vacaville, CA

Great-Grandsons – Avery & Grant Evans, of Vacaville, CA

Granddaughter – Jennifer Spencer, of Evansville, IN

Great-Grandchildren – Tammy Nichols & Deacon Spencer, of Evansville, IN

Grandson – Joshua & Tamera Carpenter, of Vacaville, CA

Great-Grandchildren – Kaden & Haven Carpenter, of Vacaville, CA

Grandson – Andrew & Jessica Grubb, of Fairfield, CA

Great-Granddaughter – Abby Grubb of Vacaville, CA

Son – Philip & Erica Whitmore, of Vacaville, CA

Grandchildren – Dave & Nicolet Pringle, and Zachary Pringle, of Montero, CA

Daughter – Nicola & Tim Parker, of Spring TX

Granddaughter – Devin & Barret Benson, of Pickerington, OH

Great-Grandsons – Bryar & River Benson, of Pickerington, OH

Grandson – Skyler & Ashley Keene, of Friendswood, TX

Great-Grandsons – Dominic & Jackson Keene, of Friendswood, TX

Daughter – Erin & John Hill, of Vacaville, CA

Granddaughter – Kendra Bailey, of Vacaville, CA

Grandchildren – Alexander, Chenoa, and Ian Hill, of Vacaville, CA