Sylvia J. Stevens' Obituary
Sylvia Stevens, age 81, passed away peacefully May 28, 2022, surrounded by family and loved ones after a long battle with pneumonia and lung cancer. She was born November 18, 1940, in Tampa, Florida to Hamp and Ollie Mae Johns. After graduating Hillsborough High School, she married Master Sargent, Edwin E. Gerdes, with whom she raised her three children, Gregory, Brenda and Jeffrey. Due to Edwin’s position in the Air Force, the family traveled abroad often, and the children were able to live in many places throughout their childhood years. After her children became adults, Sylvia married Thomas Stevens, a local masonry contractor in which they enjoyed many years of happiness.
Sylvia loved cooking. Being a life-long Florida native, she always had the best southern recipes, especially her desserts. She also loved her church, Harmony Baptist Church, of which she was a member for countless years. Sylvia was loved by many, and she will be terribly missed.
For many years Sylvia worked at Rooms To Go in Seffner as a customer service representative. It suited her servant heart. She found solace in helping others.
Her life was a living example of her one of her favorite Bible verses, Ephesians 4:32 — “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”
Sylvia is survived by her brothers and their wives, Rodney and Virginia Johns, Hal and Debra Johns, and Brent and Beth Johns. She is also survived by her three children, Gregory Gerdes, Brenda Smith and Jeffrey Gerdes; 7 grandchildren, Carolyn, Melissa, Steward Jr., Aaron, Ryan, Jericho and Jeffrey; her 10 great grandchildren, and countless nephews and nieces. All of these she loved and touched deeply.
Please join us celebrating her life on Saturday morning June 4, 2022. Harmony Baptist Church at 6008 Knights Griffin Rd., Plant City, FL. 33565, will be hosting a visitation at 10:00am and services immediately following. Sylvia will be put in her final resting place at Sunset Memory Gardens at 11005 US301, Thonotosassa once services are completed.
Please share your memories and wishes for Sylvia in the online guest book available at sunsetmemory.com/obituaries website. All are welcome to share in saying farewell to Sylvia and to return to the church for fellowship and snacks/food.
What’s your fondest memory of Sylvia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sylvia?
Share a story where Sylvia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sylvia you’ll never forget.
How did Sylvia make you smile?
