Sylvia Annette (Mattress) Craft

Sylvia Annette (Mattress) Craft, 77, was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday April 16, 2025. On March 5, 1948, Sylvia was born to Eria Gennieve (Willmon) and Eugene Mattress in Pendleton, South Carolina. One of sixteen children, and lovingly referred to by her middle name, Sylvia spent her childhood on her family’s farm. After graduating from Riverside High School in 1966, she received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting from Tri-County Technical Education Center in 1968. She enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves in 1969 and served four years as a Disbursing Clerk. While serving her country, she received the Good Conduct Medal, 1st Award, and a National Defense Service Medal before being honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant in 1973. Following her military service, Sylvia earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing from Lima Technical College, now known as Rhodes State College. She worked for Sears, Kmart, and Little World, and she also worked for and retired from Elder-Beerman (Bonton).

Sylvia committed and dedicated her life to The LORD Jesus Christ in her youth, and she served Him with unwavering faith in all aspects of her life. In addition to her daily Bible study and prayer, Sylvia was known to show the love of Christ to others and to walk in the wisdom of His Word. Sylvia lived her life in service to others with a smile on her face and an infectious laugh.

She loved reading romance and mystery novels, and she enjoyed sharing books with her children and grandchildren, with Jam Berry being a particular favorite. She was fond of her “stories,” which included All My Children, One Life to Live, General Hospital, Loving, Dynasty, and Knots Landing. She also frequently watched Christian faith programming and enjoyed crime dramas like 24, the Rookie, FBI, and the Law and Order and Chicago franchises. She had a love for movies such as National Treasure, Urban Cowboy, Overboard, Shallow Hal, Peyton Place, and Imitation of Life. Sylvia was a fan of music by Al Green and Rod Stewart and of various genres including country, disco, rock and roll, soul, and R&B. She even expressed a desire to learn how to play the drums. Sylvia cherished spending time with her grandchildren, whether they were reading together; playing video games, board games, or card games; or visiting local parks, the Lima Public Library, and the Allen County Museum.

Her greatest joy was meeting the love of her life, Johnny Craft Jr., and marrying him in holy matrimony on April 5, 1974. They shared a deep and enduring love for one another throughout their time on this Earth. She has joined her husband of forty-nine years, Johnny Craft Jr.; parents Eria Gennieve (Willmon) Mattress and Eugene Mattress; and siblings Bobbi Jean Mattress, Haywood Mattress, Larry Mattress, Steve Mattress, Gene Edward Mattress, T.C. Mattress, and Waddie Green. 

Sylvia is survived by her seven children: Shonda (Chad Cheney), Sheila (Jeffrey L. Morgan Sr.), Shawn (Becky), Tonya (Anthony Perry), Shelby (Carl Eickemeyer), Andrea, and Kaellen; twelve grandchildren: Alexis Craft-Cheney, Natalie Craft-Cheney, Lee Joseph Craft-Morgan, Anthony Perry II, Olivia Perry, Jonathan Perry, Jaelyne Craft-Eickemeyer, Hayden Craft-Eickemeyer, Dylan Craft-Eickemeyer, Gabrielle Craft-Davis, Clara Whalen, and Gage Whalen; and eight siblings: Willie E. Mattress, Carolyn Boseman, Margaret M. Harkness, Frances Marilyn Lewis, Blondell Boseman, Hazel Gantt, Ronald Mattress, and Sandra Mattress-Campbell; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Although her time on this Earth has come to an end, her family rests assured that she is in her new home where she will spend eternity with her Heavenly Father. Sylvia is remembered as a devoted wife, mother, Marine, and servant of God who lived her life committed to faith, family, and responsibility. 

The family would like to express deep gratitude to the dedicated doctors, nurses, aides, and specialists for the care provided to Sylvia. Their compassion, kindness, and unwavering support allowed her family to share precious moments with her. 

Homegoing Service will be held at 12:00 Noon ET, Friday May 9, 2025, at Hanneman-Siferd Funeral Home Chapel 506 N. Cable Rd. Lima, Ohio. Interment with military honors at Woodlawn Cemetery immediately following the service. 

To offer condolences to the Craft and Mattress Family, visit the Hanneman-Siferd Funeral Home website at https://www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you pray for their comfort in their time of bereavement and consider donating to the Lima Public Library or the Allen County Museum. Please also consider accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and serving Him with gladness as Sylvia Annette Craft did during her life. May the Lord bless you and keep you!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sylvia Annette (Mattress) Craft, please visit our floral store.