Sylvia L. Jackson

Sylvia L. Jackson, 91, loving wife, mother, musician, artist and volunteer, died Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am, Thursday, March 12, 2026, at First Church of the Nazarene.

Sylvia was born in Wichita but was raised and grew up in Winfield, KS with her two sisters, Marlyn and Carol, and her brother, Lloyd. They had an all-American, apple-pie childhood.

Her love of music started early. By high school she had picked out her musical instrument – the String Bass. While in high school she was invited to the prestigious Interlochen music camp in Michigan. There she played under famed conductor Leonard Bernstein! One more thing before she left Winfield – she was the first high school student to ever sign on with the Wichita Symphony!

Her college career was at Wichita State University. She graduated in 4 years with a degree in Music Education, all while teaching a music education class and playing string bass for the Wichita Symphony for 15 years. While on the WSU campus, there was a young student named Nolan who tracked Syliva down – they would go on to be married 65 years!

While raising two rowdy boys, she served as a board member for both the Wichita Symphony and the Wichita Art Association (now MarkArts) for many years. She was a vital member of the Wichita Symphony Showhouse.

Syliva lost her baby boy Kelly in 1983 at 23 years old. In his memory, Syliva started to create miniature Christmas trees. Her beautiful happily decorated trees are on display at the Sedgewick County Historical Museum. They have been a huge attraction at Christmas time for the last 35 years. Sylvia established holiday tables early in her career and the Christmas event still goes on today!

Sylvia brought all her artistic skills to First Church of The Nazarene in 1983, and she never stopped bringing joy and happiness to her church!

Syliva is survived by her son, Tracy Jackson; and her grandson, Joseph Jackson.

Mom was a gracious, elegant woman who leaves a legacy of kindness! We love you Mom, God bless you!

Memorials have been established with: Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum, 204 S. Main St., Wichita, KS 67202; Wichita Symphony Orchestra, 225 W. Douglas Ave., Suite #207, Wichita, KS 67202; First Church of the Nazarene. 1400 E. Kellogg Dr., Wichita, KS 67211.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary – East Chapel.