Sylvia Jean Brewington

Sylvia Jean Brewington, 89, of Virginia Beach, lived a long and beautiful life. Her journey ended on Sept 24, 2025. She was a woman of deep faith, boundless energy, and community spirit. Sylvia touched the lives of all who knew her.

Born on November 3, 1935, Sylvia was the only child of the late Herbert George Bashara and Hilda Earl Guthrie. Sylvia married the love of her life, John Calvin Brewington, with whom they recently celebrated 70 joyful years of marriage.

They have two children: John H. Brewington, married to Karen Kwiatkowski, and Cindy Brewington, married to Gordon Sinkez. She has five grandchildren: Lauren Sinkez, married to Michael Auchter; John H. Brewington Jr.; Chris Sinkez, married to Cambria Hunter; Colin Brewington, married to Sarah Bjorklund; and Paul Sinkez, married to Catherine Pavell. Sylvia has 3 great-grandchildren, Emily, Charles, and Charlotte.

Sylvia was a woman of many talents and passions. She was a ballet teacher during her high school years and a realtor many years later. Her love of nature and community led her to found and serve as the first President of May Farm Garden Club and later as President of the Council of Garden Clubs. A true leader who also served as a scout leader, Band Booster's President, and worked on the PTA.

Sylvia was devoted to making her community a more beautiful place. Through tireless collaboration with city agencies, churches, civic groups, and local leaders, she helped plan and install countless beautification projects across Virginia Beach. Her legacy lives on in the azaleas, crepe myrtles, shrubs, and trees that adorn medians, parks, and public spaces throughout the city. Sylvia was devoted to making her community a more beautiful place.

She was especially proud of her work with Red Wing Park, developed in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Garden Club. Notable contributions include the Memorial Rose Garden, the POW Garden, and the Council of Garden Clubs' Presidents' Garden.

Creative at heart, Sylvia found joy in painting, gardening, crocheting, and floral arranging. Her energy, kindness, and enthusiasm were contagious, and she formed lasting friendships wherever she went. Above all, she adored her family and took great joy in their lives.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Foundry United Methodist Church, 2801 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, with Rev. Dr. Jaehaeng Choi officiating.

Flowers may be sent to the church. For those who prefer to make a donation in Sylvia's memory, the family has designated the May Farm Garden Club as a fitting tribute to her enduring legacy. www.mayfarmgardenclub.org