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Sylvia Kays Obituary
Glenn's military service and career beyond brought them from Ft. Smith to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. They returned to Benton, AR to be near family.
Sylvia was a clever homemaker, seamstress, and skilled typist. She worked as an attorney's assistant before joining the Howard Perrin Library and later the Saline County Library, where she retired. Her work in the library nurtured a voracious appetite for reading. She loved to travel, especially to the places she read about, and shared that love with her beloved children and grandchildren. Sylvia and Glenn called Northside Church of Christ home since moving to Benton in 1965
She is preceded in death by her mother and father and by her husband, Glenn.
She is survived by her sister Wanda Parrish of Memphis, TN; her brother John Tompkins of Tupelo, MS; her children, Denise (Cliff) Phillips of Lee Summit, MO; Greg (Heidi) Kays of Red Wing, MN; Angela (Gerald) Driskill of Bryant, AR; and grandchildren whom she adored: Lucas Phillips (Aubrey), Kara Phillips, Lexi (Dave) Donnely, Logan (Alex) Ritchie, Luke (Kaitlyn) Kays, Eli (Katelyn) Driskill and Abby (Elijah) McGrail and 6 great-grandchildren.
She will be missed but dementia had stolen her away. Her family rejoices that she is whole again.
They want to thank all those who have loved them and her through this long journey of decline; especially her Baptist Hospice nurses the staff at Pleasant Hill Hwy 5 house where she was cared for so well in her final months.
Visitation will be at Smith Funeral Home in Benton on Friday, August 8 from 5:00-7:00 PM. The family will have a private burial the following day and ask that in lieu of flowers, Memorials be made to the Corin Read Camp c/o Northside Church of Christ in Benton or to the charity of your preference.
Sylvia B. Kays will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, her impactful career, and her profound faith.
Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sylvia Kays
Sponsored by Smith Benton Funeral Home - Benton.
2 Entries
Fayetteville, AR
August 8, 2025
All of my childhood memories of Sylvia are good. She was a best friend to my Mom so family/friend gatherings were notable for Sylvia´s delicious dishes. Sylvia was attentive and kind to each of us kids. I remember Sylvia´s keen interest in what I was reading, a shared passion through my childhood into my adult years. Sylvia was like another Mom to us kids. Many of us will gratefully remember her love for us. David Jackson
Phil Jackson
August 7, 2025
I send my love to Denise, Greg and Angela, as well as to their respective families on the loss of their mother, grandmother, and sister. Sylvia is a precious person and by faith we are assured that she is dearly embraced by our Eternal Father. Sylvia spared no moment to assure each of us that we were dear to her as well. My family is grateful to have been one of her long time friends. We cherish this blessing and our memory of her. Phil Jackson
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Smith Benton Funeral Home - Benton322 N Market Street, Benton, AR 72015
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