Elfriede Ryals Sylvest
80, Columbia
Funeral services were held at noon on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Hathorn Funeral Home for Elfriede Ryals Sylvest, 80, of Columbia, who passed away on Sunday, April 21, at Forrest General Hospital. Burial followed in Woodlawn Cemetery. Rev. Mark McArthur officiated at the services. Visitation was held from 10 a.m. until the time of the services on Tuesday, April 23, at Hathorn Funeral Home.
She came from Germany in 1953 where her family was of great importance to her. She was an avid animal lover who also enjoyed the outdoors.
She was preceded in death by her spouse, Mac Sylvest; son, Jimmy Ryals; father, John Eckerl; mother, Centa Maurus Eckerl; and two brothers-in-law, Henri van Goethem and Bob Newby.
Survivors include her daughter, Teri Sanders (Gary) of Columbia; five grandchildren, Eric Ryals (Jody), Orry Sanders (Tina), Erin Ryals, Nick Sanders and Jeffrey Ryals (Dawn); brother, John G. Eckerl (Jane); two sisters, Ingeborg van Goethem and Johanna Newby; nine great-grandchildren, Kade Ryals, Kaleb Ryals, Kaylee Ryals, Karter Ryals, Hudson Sanders, Hayes Sanders, Ryleigh Sanders, Weston Sanders and Grace Ryals; and a host of nephews and nieces.
Pallbearers were Eric Ryals, Orry Sanders, Nick Sanders, Kade Ryals, Kaleb Ryals, John Eckerl and Gary Sanders. Honorary pallbearers were Karter Ryals, Hudson Sanders, Hayes Sanders and Weston Sanders.
Friends may sign an online guest register book at www.hathornfuneralhome.com. Hathorn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
