Mrs. Sylvia Irene Mandeville Beckett, age 96, passed away December 19, 2023. She passed away from the arms of her family who loved her dearly into her heavenly rest in the arms of Jesus Christ whom she faithfully trusted as her Savior and Lord. She was born June 7,1927 in Princeton, WV to the late Walter and Gertrude Keatley Mandeville of Princeton, WV. Sylvia graduated from Princeton High School in 1945 then attended Bluefield Business College. Sylvia had formerly worked at Gullion Electric in Bluefield, Executive Assistant at the Celanese Plant. She married Leonard Beckett while he was home on leave from the Navy on Halloween, October 31, 1946, then, moved to Brooklyn, NY, Charleston, SC and Clarksburg, WV where their first child was born, Barbara Ann. She also managed the books for Athens Garage for over 30 years. In 1971 she went to work at Princeton Community Hospital and trained to be a Pharmacy Technician. She remained at the hospital until 1976. She then stayed at home to look after her mother. Sylvia is the last member of her family, preceded in death by parents, sisters Catherine McKenzie, Francis Harvey and Phyllis Burcham, brothers, Paul Mandeville, Horace Mandeville and Charles Mandeville. She is also preceded in death by son, David Alan Beckett in 1965. In addition to her husband of 77 years, Leonard (Whitey), she is survived by her children: daughters, Barbara Stepp and husband Roger of Christiansburg, VA, Kathy Beckett of Princeton, WV, and son, Stephen Beckett of Hiwassee, VA.; Grandchildren; Barry (Lisa) Stepp of Christiansburg VA, Beverly Kruger of Advance, NC, and Rachel (Ernie) Compton of Riner, VA.; Great-grandchildren, Kayla Stepp of Vonore, TN, Mackenzie Stepp of Lynchburg, VA, and Emma Stepp of Radford, VA; Lanah Kruger of Advance, NC and Colt Compton, USAF of San Antonio, TX, and Gunner Compton of Riner, VA. Sylvia was a member of the Church of God for years then moved her membership to Johnston Chapel Baptist Church in 1960. She was a Sunday School teacher, pianist and church organist for many years. She never had any piano lessons but was able to play by ear. The list is endless of the weddings she played for along with decorating the wedding cakes. Sylvia was very talented in cake decorating, cooking, canning, ceramics, and quilt making. Her husband says, "she was the best cook in Mercer County". She was an active member of the Farm Bureau and bowled in various leagues in Princeton and Bluefield during the 1960's and 1970's. Sylvia was a talented artist throughout her life. She enjoyed traveling across the U.S. and to Europe. Her positive thinking and optimism were hallmark approaches to life that allowed Sylvia to navigate any situation or challenge in seemingly effortless fashion. She is remembered fondly for a joy and passion for living and boundless creativity. An authentic spirit and the courage to dream are gifts that will live on through those who knew and loved her. Services honoring the life of Sylvia Beckett will be held 1:00 P.M. on Friday, December 22, 2023, at Johnston Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Dan Thyng, Rev. John King and Pastor Jim Simmons officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may visit with the family at the church from 11:00 A.M. until the service hour Friday. Memorial contributions may be made to Jimmie Jones Scholarship Fund c/o Johnston Chapel Baptist Church, 984 Halls Ridge Road, Princeton WV 24739. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.memorilfd.com . The Beckett family is being served by the Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton.