Sylvia Arely Zamot

Sylvia Arely Zamot, 88, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, December 6, after a long and courageous battle with ALS. Born on August 24, 1937, to Jose Sandoval and Teodula Lita Flores, Sylvia grew up in El Salvador, where she developed the resilience, faith, and compassion that guided her throughout her life's calling.
A lifelong educator whose career began in her home country, Sylvia devoted herself to lifting up young people through compassion, structure, and love. After moving to the United States, she became a pillar of the Seventh-day Adventist Latino community, known for her unwavering commitment to children's ministries, women's ministries, and to uplifting those who felt far from home. Her gentle leadership and steady presence created spaces where others felt seen, supported, and never alone.
On August 23, 1969, Sylvia married Carlos Rafael Zamot, Sr., and together they built a family grounded in faith, warmth, and service. She is lovingly survived by her children, Katherine Zamot and Carlos Zamot, Jr., and his wife, Melissa; her grandchildren, Elizabeth Castellon Dey and her husband, Matthew, Gabriel Castellon, Lisa Hines, William Hines, and Carlos Zamot III; and her great-grandchildren, Romiyah Anderson and Jaliyah Anderson. Over the years, Sylvia played an integral role in the lives of many nieces and nephews, some of whom she helped raise, guide, and nurture as her own.
Sylvia was an avid reader, a lifelong learner, a gifted speaker, and a devoted prayer warrior. She championed children through her involvement in the Seventh-day Adventist Church Pathfinder Club and was known for soothing little ones with her soft voice and the familiar bag she carried filled with coloring books and crayons. Many young wives-especially immigrants navigating life far from family-turned to her for wisdom and comfort. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel less alone, becoming an adopted mother to many of God's children, both young and old.
She will be lovingly remembered for her selfless spirit and authentic Christian life. Her faith was not merely something she professed; it was the way she lived. Sylvia embodied the biblical call to care for "the least of these," offering compassion, generosity, and love with a quiet strength that touched lives across generations.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Guillermina Maltez. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Carlos; her sister, Miriam Martinez; her brothers, Francisco Flores and Carlos Portillo; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and loved ones who hold her memory close. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sylvia, please visit our floral store.