Sylvia J. Byers

Sylvia Johnston Byers, a native Oklahoman and longtime Tulsa resident, passed away peacefully at St. John's Hospital on January 3, 2016. She was 96 years old. Born August 28, 1919, Sylvia was the eldest child of Cora and Frank Johnston of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She graduated from Turley High School in 1936, and later attended Tulsa Business College. In 1944, she married John William "Jack" Scott, Jr., and the couple moved to Oakridge, Tennessee, where Mr. Scott participated in work essential to the production of the atomic bomb, also known as the Manhattan Project. It was in Oakridge that the couple gave birth to their daughter, Lynda. Sadly, Mr. Scott died in an accident at Oakridge in 1947. In 1951, Sylvia married Hugh James Byers, Jr., an astute businessman and the owner of Kenby Oil Company and Go-Gas, the first self-serve chain of gasoline stations in Tulsa. Their son, Jim, was born in 1954. Sylvia and Hugh enjoyed traveling and took many trips abroad. Mr. Byers preceded his wife in death in 1987. In her later years, Sylvia-often referred to by family with great affection as "the Queen"-enjoyed the love and support of her many family members in the Tulsa area. She was considered the pillar of her family, touching each member's life with love, generosity, and moral guidance, as well as teaching them the art of friendship. She was an outgoing woman who enjoyed nearly perfect health for the first 94 years of her life. A 50-year member of the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, Sylvia volunteered in many capacities and was a member of her church circle and the Wesley Sunday School class. She also volunteered in the gift shop of Oklahoma Methodist Manor. Sylvia was one of the oldest members of the Oaks Country Club and was also a member of the Tout-le-Monde Women's Club. Considered an excellent bridge partner, she participated in many bridge clubs. Sylvia is survived by her daughter, Lynda Scott Rowe of Tulsa; her son Jim Byers of Bethesda, Maryland; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her three brothers, Warren Franklin, Cecil Marcus and Voris Glen Johnston. On Friday, January 8th, from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M., family and friends will be greeted for the viewing at Moore's Funeral Home, 2570 South Harvard Avenue, in Tulsa. Funeral services will be held the following day, Saturday, January 9th, at 10:00 A.M., in the Rose Chapel of Boston Avenue Church, 1301 South Boston Avenue, also in Tulsa. A Service of Remembrance will be held at the Oklahoma Methodist Manor Chapel at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 13th. In lieu of flowers, please send expressions of sympathy to the Oklahoma Methodist Manor Employees' Fund (4134 E 31st Street, Tulsa, OK 74135) or Boston Avenue Methodist Church (1301 S Boston Ave, Tulsa, OK 74119). www.moorefuneral.com

Sylvia J. Byers

August 28, 1919 - January 3, 2016