Sylvia Sikes Cato

Sylvia Sikes Cato, 83, of Pageland, SC passed away peacefully while surrounded by her loving family on July 13, 2024 in Lancaster, SC. Born on September 12, 1940 in Mt. Croghan, SC, Sylvia was the daughter to the late Tracy Emmett Sikes and Analiza Burch Sikes. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her.
Sylvia was predeceased by her devoted husband, Ronny Wayne Cato, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and memories. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Glynn Burch Sikes and her parents-in-law, J.D. "Sode" Cato and Lucille Lowry Cato. Her legacy of love and compassion continues through her daughter, Rhonda Graves (Mike) of Pageland, SC; her brother, William "Bill" Sikes of Mt. Croghan, SC; sisters-in-law, Myra Cato Coffey of Pageland, SC and Billie Ann Sikes of Chesterfield, SC; her adored grandchildren, David Graves (Emily) of Bethune, SC and Rev. Ryan Graves of China Grove, NC; and her nieces, Tammy Sikes Cooke of Dillon, SC, Glenda Sikes Freeman of Chesterfield, SC, and Caroline Sikes Tyler of Chesterfield, SC.
Sylvia's professional life was marked by dedication and excellence. For 25 years, she served as a Legal Secretary at Thomas, Harrington & Bidler Attorneys, where her meticulous work and thoughtful nature were greatly valued. Following her tenure there, she embraced a new chapter as a Computer Lab Instructor at Petersburg Elementary School.
Sylvia was an active and devoted member of High Point Baptist Church. She served with humility and joy as the Church Clerk for many years, a Children's Sunday School Teacher, and a Vacation Bible School Teacher.
Sylvia's interests and hobbies were as varied as they were fulfilling. In her younger days, she enjoyed the thrill of water skiing and the creativity of cooking and decorating cakes. She found joy in walking, which allowed her to appreciate the simple beauty of nature. Above all, Sylvia cherished the time spent with her grandsons, who stayed with her after school.
The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thanks to her caregivers, Lisa Baker, Myrtle "Von" Robinson, Norena Watts, all the staff at Lancaster Health and Rehab, and Agape Hospice.
The family will receive friends following the service in the High Point Baptist Church Family Life Center.
There will be a Celebration of Life Funeral Service on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 11:00 AM at High Point Baptist Church with Pastor Bobby Pegram, Pastor Rodney Nicholson and Rev. Ryan Graves officiating. Burial will follow at High Point Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to High Point Baptist Church, 16 High Point Church Road, Pageland, SC 29728.
Arrangements are entrusted to Baumgartner Funeral Home (www.baumgartnerfh.com) of Pageland, South Carolina.