Sylvia Marilyn Grissom Tolleson of Malvern moved to Heaven May 18, 2024, at CHI Saint Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs. She was 87.

She was born in Malvern on February 6, 1937 to Harold and Dorothy (Webber) Grissom.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Mahlon.

Left to cherish her memory are her widowed daughter, Mahlona Bowdon, son Richard Tolleson and wife Natasha, granddaughters Alexandra LaMotte and Emma Tolleson, grandson Spencer Tolleson and wife Macon, sister Judith Digby, great-grandaughters Charlotte and Penelope LaMotte, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Sylvia graduated from Malvern High School and shortly after married the love of her life. She used to remark that she wanted her obituary to simply say she was the wife of Mahlon Tolleson, but she was so much more.

Sylvia was very active in the church, teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir at the First Assembly of God church in Malvern. Later, at Liberty Chapel she helped with the worship music and children's church.

Before she started helping in the office of the family business, Grissom Engine Rebuilding, Sylvia was the Activities Director for Still Meadow Nursing Home. Later she managed Tops Shoes, where she famously chased after a few folks who "forgot to pay" before they left, wearing their new shoes.

Sylvia was a great singer. In the 1970's Sylvia, Mahlon, Mahlona and Richard, became the Singing Tolleson Family, singing Gospel music in many churches and conventions, along with brother in law Jack Digby on guitar and friend Brenda Maracle Roberts at the piano.

Sylvia loved reading. Her favorite book, of course, was the Bible, which she read every day. She also appreciated good cozy murder mysteries, especially the ones set in the 1920's and 1930's.

She enjoyed crossword puzzles, which she always did in ink. She never missed watching Jeopardy. She told the therapists at Encore she would not do therapy during Jeopardy! Likewise, Sister Sylvia treasured her favorite Christian programs.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at J. A. Funk Funeral Home from 6 to 8 pm. Service will be Wednesday, May 22, at 10 AM at Liberty Chapel Church with Rev. Jerry Garrett officiating. Sylvia will be laid to rest at Harp Cemetery, all under the direction of J. A. Funk Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Jody Digby, Jackie Digby, Hunter Digby, Jaxon Digby, Spencer Tolleson, and Craig Tolleson.

Honorary pallbearers are the Elders and Deacons of Liberty Chapel. A special thanks to the staff at Encore Nursing and Rehabilitation in Malvern.