Sylvia B. Darling

1926 - 2018

Sylvia B. Darling, (nee Priest), 92, died peacefully on Monday, Aug. 6, in Benicia. She was surrounded by her devoted caretakers and family. Sylvia had been a resident of Vallejo since 1944. Sylvia was born on May 25, 1926 to Emma Esther Priest (nee Syck), and Benjamin Morton Priest in Coal Run, KY. She was the seventh of 10 children. Her early days were spent on the family farm at Joe's Creek, Coal Run, KY. There she attended a two room schoolhouse until eighth grade. She attended Pikeville High School, in Pikeville, KY and graduated in 1944. Later that year, she traveled to Vallejo, to live with her sister and find work. Vallejo was a "Boom Town" in those days with plenty of employment opportunities. She worked for Bank of America, and Jackson's Furniture Store, on Virginia Street; which is now Victory Store.On April 25, 1947, Sylvia married Gordon N. Darling; and this marriage sustained for 69 years until Gordon's death in 2016. Sylvia welcomed her first born, Frank in 1948; thereafter, Susan in 1950; and Daniel in 1961. While busy raising her young children; Sylvia also helped Gordon in the establishment of Darling's New and Used Furniture, first located on Virginia Street, and later on Marin. The business flourished from 1951 to 1961.While her children were in school, Sylvia was active in PTA, Campfire Girls, YMCA Youth, Vallejo Parent Co-op Nursery School, Boy Scouts of America, and American Field Service. Sylvia and Gordon were founding members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Sylvia was always supportive of the extracurricular and athletic endeavors of her children, and later, her grandchildren.Sylvia was accomplished in knitting. She knitted sweaters, dresses, suits and even a coat. Many of these "pieces of art" remain with her children. She loved music and dance including Bluegrass, C&W, Blues, Big Band, Square Dance, Clogging and Line Dancing. She kept many of her Appalachian ways, including southern cooking.As the kids grew and left home, there was no rest for Sylvia. She became active in Adult Literacy, clogging and line dancing, being with her grandchildren as they arrived, and traveling the world with Gordon.Sylvia and Gordon eventually moved to Brookdale Independent and Assisted Living in Vallejo. They were very active in the Brookdale Community activities. After Gordon's death in 2016, Sylvia found enjoyment in visiting with family, reading, answering letters from relatives and "taking it easy".Needing more assistive care, Sylvia moved to Benicia Loving Care Home in October 2016, where she resided at the time of her death.She was predeceased by her parents; husband, Gordon; brothers, Ab, Virgil, Linton Priest; and by sisters, Ruby Vito, Alice Harwood, Aileen Erwin, Audrey Clark and Lucy Carter.She is survived by her younger sister, Stella Gillotte, of New York, and many, many nieces and nephews.Surviving to pass on her legacy and values are children, Frank (Rhonda) Darling of Orinda; Susan Darling-Mahoney of Vallejo, and Dan (Sharon) Darling of Napa. Surviving grandchildren, Alli (Obi Kauffman) Darling of Oakland, Jared L. Mahoney of Los Angeles, and Max (Francisca) Darling of Oakland. Sylvia welcomed her first great-grandchild, Emilia Darling in April, 2017.The Darling family would like to thank Benicia Loving Care Home, and their employees who took excellent care of our mother in a homey setting. We would also like to thank Kaiser Palliative Care and Hospice program for such excellent end of life comfort and care. Mom had a rich, full life; she has found relief from her discomforts, and will be reunited with our father, Gordon.Committal service was Aug. 15, at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, where she will rest for all eternity with Gordon. Arrangements were made by Wiggins-Knipp Funeral Home, Vallejo.