Sylvia Renee (DeMers) Naylor, born May 19, 1947, in Juneau, Alaska, passed away on July 19, 2025, in Puyallup, Washington, at the age of 78.
Renee grew up in the Seattle area until 1963, having attended Franklin High School, when her family moved to Whittier, California. She graduated from Sierra High School in 1965. She had her 1st daughter Cheryl in 1969 while living in Reedley California. In 1972, Renee returned to Washington state, where she attended beauty college, and after a brief marriage in 1974 to Ed Esperas, she then moved back to California in 1976 to be closer to her mother, Borghild (Bunny) Vance.
In 1977, Renee met the love of her life, Leonard Gene Naylor, and the two were married in 1979. Together, they had two children: their daughter Mary in 1979, and their son William (Billy) in 1985. Renee and Leonard lived in Fresno, California, for 16 years, where she worked at Liberty Mutual Insurance and formed some of the closest friendships of her life. Renee and her friends enjoyed regular BBQs, game nights, and plenty of laughter.
In 1995, Renee moved her family back to the Seattle area, seeking to reconnect with loved ones. It was here that she found her career at Bratrud Middleton, where she worked until her retirement in 2009.
Renee loved life's simple pleasures: playing bingo, visiting the casino, and spending time with family and friends. A beloved tradition was her annual birthday trip to Emerald Downs to watch the horse races, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Mom has always been a huge Oakland Raiders fan, don't judge her, she was supporting them from her California days, Jim Plunkett and Marcus Allen to mention a few and of course Marshawn Lynch when he went to play his final season in 2018! But she loved her Seattle Seahawks with absolute pride! Those were her boys! Go Hawks!
She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. Renee's love for her family knew no bounds, and she always made sure those closest to her knew just how much they meant to her. Her laughter was as booming as her smile, and her hugs were legendary—big, warm, and lasting. Renee's grandchildren, Shelby, Kamanao', Kupono, and Olivia Joy (Hilina'i), were the light of her life. As Grammy and Grandma Nay Nay, she made sure they knew how special and loved they were.
Renee was the very heart of her family. She taught us what it meant to love with all your heart, to always show up for others, and to keep going, no matter what life throws your way. Her unwavering love, strength, and comfort will forever be cherished.
Renee is survived by her daughters Cheryl DeMers, Mary Naylor (fiancé James Hall), and son Billy Naylor (wife Kimberly); her grandchildren, Shelby, Kamanao', Kupono, and Olivia Joy (Hilina'i); a very large extended family; her sister Denise Dunham; brother James Bradfield, her aunt Elsie; and countless cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends who were just like family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Gene Naylor, who passed away in August of 1992, her Mother Borghild ( Bunny ) Vance, stepfather, Jim Vance, Father; James DeMers, Stepmother Doris, sisters Michele Doyle, Janice Sargent, and brother Paul DeMers
At this time, her Celebration of Life will be planned for next year, so that all her children, family and friends can celebrate her life and memories together. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ASPCA, as Renee was always a lover of animals and had a special bond with her dogs Cody and Edgar and her kitty cats Molly and Larry.
Renee will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Rest easy, Mom. You gave us everything—your love, your laughter, your strength—and we will carry you in our hearts forever. We Love You More.
Renee grew up in the Seattle area until 1963, having attended Franklin High School, when her family moved to Whittier, California. She graduated from Sierra High School in 1965. She had her 1st daughter Cheryl in 1969 while living in Reedley California. In 1972, Renee returned to Washington state, where she attended beauty college, and after a brief marriage in 1974 to Ed Esperas, she then moved back to California in 1976 to be closer to her mother, Borghild (Bunny) Vance.
In 1977, Renee met the love of her life, Leonard Gene Naylor, and the two were married in 1979. Together, they had two children: their daughter Mary in 1979, and their son William (Billy) in 1985. Renee and Leonard lived in Fresno, California, for 16 years, where she worked at Liberty Mutual Insurance and formed some of the closest friendships of her life. Renee and her friends enjoyed regular BBQs, game nights, and plenty of laughter.
In 1995, Renee moved her family back to the Seattle area, seeking to reconnect with loved ones. It was here that she found her career at Bratrud Middleton, where she worked until her retirement in 2009.
Renee loved life's simple pleasures: playing bingo, visiting the casino, and spending time with family and friends. A beloved tradition was her annual birthday trip to Emerald Downs to watch the horse races, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Mom has always been a huge Oakland Raiders fan, don't judge her, she was supporting them from her California days, Jim Plunkett and Marcus Allen to mention a few and of course Marshawn Lynch when he went to play his final season in 2018! But she loved her Seattle Seahawks with absolute pride! Those were her boys! Go Hawks!
She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. Renee's love for her family knew no bounds, and she always made sure those closest to her knew just how much they meant to her. Her laughter was as booming as her smile, and her hugs were legendary—big, warm, and lasting. Renee's grandchildren, Shelby, Kamanao', Kupono, and Olivia Joy (Hilina'i), were the light of her life. As Grammy and Grandma Nay Nay, she made sure they knew how special and loved they were.
Renee was the very heart of her family. She taught us what it meant to love with all your heart, to always show up for others, and to keep going, no matter what life throws your way. Her unwavering love, strength, and comfort will forever be cherished.
Renee is survived by her daughters Cheryl DeMers, Mary Naylor (fiancé James Hall), and son Billy Naylor (wife Kimberly); her grandchildren, Shelby, Kamanao', Kupono, and Olivia Joy (Hilina'i); a very large extended family; her sister Denise Dunham; brother James Bradfield, her aunt Elsie; and countless cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends who were just like family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Gene Naylor, who passed away in August of 1992, her Mother Borghild ( Bunny ) Vance, stepfather, Jim Vance, Father; James DeMers, Stepmother Doris, sisters Michele Doyle, Janice Sargent, and brother Paul DeMers
At this time, her Celebration of Life will be planned for next year, so that all her children, family and friends can celebrate her life and memories together. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ASPCA, as Renee was always a lover of animals and had a special bond with her dogs Cody and Edgar and her kitty cats Molly and Larry.
Renee will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Rest easy, Mom. You gave us everything—your love, your laughter, your strength—and we will carry you in our hearts forever. We Love You More.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Sylvia Naylor, please visit our flower store.
Sylvia Naylor's Guestbook
Visits: 82
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors