Sylvia J. Likins

Sylvia J. Likins, 86, formerly of Connersville, died Sunday, June 29, 2014, at St. Paul’s Home in Belleville, Illinois. Sylvia was a native of Little Rock, Arkansas, born July 24, 1927 the only child of Carl and Jean Turner Davis. She attended Grandview School and lived at 1519 Grand Avenue in their home built by her relatives. In 1943, she graduated from Connersville High School and continued her education at Indiana State University where she received degrees in education and speech therapy. She had held multiple stations with the Order of Eastern Star, served as a Cub Scout Den Mother, assisted with 4-H and Rainbow with her daughter. Sylvia had been employed with CETA, VISTA, HUD and HeadStart. For 23 years, she lived in New Mexico and taught school at a Navajo reservation. Sylvia was a proficient pianist and organist. She was the organist at Trinity Episcopal Church in Connersville and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Danville, Illinois. She had also served as choir director at the Methodist Church in Covington, Indiana. Sylvia is survived by her children and their spouses: Cal Likins and Stephanie of Fairview Heights, Illinois; Gail A. Wilson and Eddie of Waco, Texas; a granddaughter: Sada Wilson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her former husband, Edgar Likins who was an Indiana State Trooper. Public graveside services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday at Dale Cemetery. Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, is in charge of the arrangements. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.