SYLVIA ROBERTA ARNETT

Sylvia Roberta Taylor Arnett, age 92, a resident of Claiborne County, Tennessee, and previously of Bell County, Kentucky, passed away March 3, 2025.

Sylvia was born November 10, 1932, in Colmar, Kentucky, to Clyde and Edna Turner Taylor.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, R. Hargus Taylor; sister-in law, Doris Taylor; and numerous other family members.  She is survived by her beloved children:  Karen (Tony Chadwell), Sherry, and Kenny (Denise); grandchildren:  Joshua (Sheri Marie) Arnett and Bethany Chadwell; great-granddaughters:  Willow and Laurel Ortiz, and Luna and Rhea Arnett; sister, Teresa “Terri” (Cliff) Dodson; and ex-husband, John Arnett; along with many special nieces, nephews, in-laws, and cousins.

She attended Middlesboro High School until her senior year, but graduated from Bell County High School in 1951.  She received a degree in elementary education from Cumberland College in 1953 and later earned her master’s degree from Union College.

Mom’s teaching career lasted approximately 38 years.  It began in a two-room schoolhouse at the Colmar coal camp and included stints at Garmeada and in the summer Head Start program at several Bell County schools.  Most of her career was spent as a 4th-grade teacher at Yellow Creek School Center.  (At home, often she would answer to “Miss Arnett” when we could not get her attention by saying “Mom.”)  When girls’ basketball began in the Bell County school system, Mom volunteered her coaching expertise (which was non-existent).  Although she had no coaching experience, she wanted the girls to have the opportunity to participate.  She spent many years collecting her YCS Longhorns players from various hollers, transporting them to and from the games.  She loved every minute of it.

Mom enjoyed both viewing and participating in sports.  She supported the Bell County High School Bobcats, attending many girls and boys basketball games, and football games.  She watched UK basketball (men and women) and UT basketball (women only!).  She was a long-time Cincinnati Reds fan, until TBS began broadcasting all of the Atlanta Braves games, at which time she switched her allegiance to the Braves.  For many years she played in various women’s softball leagues, usually as a catcher.  Once she retired, she began to participate in a senior bowling league.

Until she was no longer able, she loved to read, quilt, and work jigsaw and crossword puzzles.  She raised a garden for most of her life and canned/froze many fruits and vegetables.  Mom’s greatest joy came from spending time with her siblings, children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends.  She was an amazing “country” cook.  Like many of her generation, she attempted to feed anyone the minute he or she walked in her door.  We spent many wonderful hours playing cards and board games together and just “visiting,” whether at her dining room table or on numerous beach trips with her cherished sister and her family, or with her friend Sandie Stapleton.

Mom was a member of Binghamtown Baptist Church.  At her death, she was more than ready to trade her earthly home for her heavenly one.

For the last couple of years Mom was a resident of Tri-State Health & Rehabilitation Center.  We wish to thank those who interacted with her daily and tried to make a difficult situation easier for her.  We appreciate any kindness shown to our mother during her stay there.  We also thank the Giant Slayers women’s prayer group for remembering her; and her long-time neighbors for always “watching out” for her.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Gateway Christian School, or a charity of your choice.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Green Hills Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Green Hills Funeral Home Chapel.

Graveside services will follow at Green Hills Memorial Gardens.

Green Hills Funeral Home, Middlesboro, is honored to serve the Arnett Family.

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