Sylvia Lynette Willis Hobbs

Sylvia L. Hobbs, age 68, of East St. Louis, Illinois, passed away on April 27, 2025. Born on June 4, 1956, to Charles and Mary Willis, Sylvia lived a life filled with compassion, dedication, and love. She graduated from Arsenal Technical High School and went on to attend Aristotle Medical and Dental College, where she became a Certified Medical Assistant and phlebotomist. Her commitment to healthcare continued when she later became a certified x-ray technician. Sylvia worked for many years at Wishard Memorial Hospital, earning a reputation as one of the best phlebotomists in the city. She also worked for Lab Plus, providing mobile phlebotomy services throughout Indiana, remaining in the healthcare field until her retirement earlier this year. A devoted and loving mother to Tiyana, Jefty Jr., Austin, and Shanetta, Sylvia took pride in raising her children and equipping them with strength and life skills. She was a beloved grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, known for her open heart, warm home, and readiness to care for anyone Sylvia found joy in dressing up, shopping, entertaining, and spending cherished weekends with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she often took to church. She was recently a proud member of Rhema Church of the Living God and had a deep and growing love for the Lord. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Tiyana Willis; parents, Charles and Mary Willis; brothers, Ricky Earl Willis, Michael Willis, Clemel Willis, Frances Bradley; and sister, Mary Louis Willis. Sylvia leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience through her children: Jeff Sultzer, Austin Sultzer (Sherika), and Shanetta Wells (Michael); cherished grandchildren: Ayanna, Sabrina, Dominick, Anthony, Lil Jeft, Brionna, Wise, Layiah, Austin Jr., Wakem, JaShayla, Aleia, Aaron, Amiyah, and
Iva; and great-grandchildren: Isaiah, Zariah, Seven, Braylon, Nazir, Jahmir, Amir, and Sarai. She is also survived by her sisters: Edna Pounds, Rita (Wilbert) Falconer, Diretha Willis of Akron, Ohio, Jackie Whiteside, and Ernestine Willis-Smith (Anthony); brothers: Elijah Williams- Willis of California, Robert(Dorthy) Willis, Eddie(Arlene) Willis of Orlando, Florida, Michael (Carmeen) Whiteside, and John Willis; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will continue to honor her memory. You heard me say, I am going away, and I am coming back to you. If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it
happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe."
- JOHN 14:28-29 NIV