Sylvia Fellows, age 79, passed away January 19, 2023 at her home in Harrisonburg, Virginia surrounded by her family. She was
born in Manchester, England on March 16 1943, to the late Francis and Irene Smith.
She graduated from Furzedown Teacher Training College in London, England in 1964. In December 1965, she married Robert
“Bob” Fellows who preceded her in death after 52 years of marriage in 2018. She moved to Harrisonburg, Virginia with her
husband and two children in 1977.
Surviving are her two children, daughter Victoria “Vicky” Sullivan and husband, Brian of Harrisonburg; son Jamie Fellows and
wife, Heyward of San Carlos, California. She is also survived by her sister, Jackie Wolohan and husband Simon Moores of
England; sisters-in-law Pam Hinchcliffe and husband John, Gill Turner and husband Peter, and Ann Keen, along with several
nieces and nephews, all of England. She is survived by six grandchildren whom she adored Alexandra “Alex” Sullivan, Patrick
Sullivan, Benjamin “Ben” Sullivan, Connor Sullivan, Elizabeth “Eliza” Fellows, and James Fellows.
She devoted her life to education, initially as a primary school teacher in England then as a nursery school director/teacher at
Harrisonburg Baptist Church for 23 years. After retirement, she continued to dedicate many hours to children by volunteering at
elementary schools. She was involved in many local activities over the years: volunteer with Harrisonburg Rockingham Swim
Club and was vital to the creation of the Valley Area Swim Team, volunteer with Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir, member
of Shenandoah Valley Choral Society, and volunteer at the poll for local elections.
She was an active member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church since 1977 and played an integral role in the Choir, Children’s
Choir, and Altar Guild. She cherished her church community and developed many lifelong friendships during her years of
service.
She preferred to be called “Crazy Grandma” by family, whom she loved dearly. Her memory was impeccable and she was an
avid conversationalist with everyone she met. Through her daily walks in Portland East with her dog Toby she developed many
friendships with neighbors who knew her as “Miss Sylvia.” She loved a good glass of chardonnay, especially on the beach. She
enjoyed watching “football” (soccer), and spent countless hours watching Manchester City and her grandchildren play.
Amemorial service will be conducted at 1:00pm Monday February 6, 2023 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Harrisonburg
with Father Joseph officiating. Committal will follow the service in the church columbarium. Visitation with family will be held
from 3:00-5:00pm on Sunday February 5, 2023 at Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.
In lieu of flowers due to her love of children and passion for education, memorial contributions can be made in memory of
Sylvia Fellows to Harrisonburg Education Foundation, mail checks to One Court Square Harrisonburg, VA22802 or visit Make
a Donation - Harrisonburg Education Foundation
Kyger Funeral Home