Sylvia Elizabeth Chafin

Sylvia Elizabeth Willis Chafin, 83 passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 30, 2025. The daughter of the late Aaron Willis, Sr. and Hazel Arnett Willis Kirkland, Sylvia was born in Lincoln County on May 18, 1941.

She joined Loco Baptist Church at an early age and had attended Lincolnton Baptist Church for many years of her adult life. Sylvia was a graduate of Lincolnton High School, class of 1959. Afterwards, she attended technical school where she received her certification as a lab technician. Her career began at Wills Memorial Hospital, where she was employed for approximately 8 years.  Then, she assumed a position at Shepeard Blood Center, where she was a respected and valuable team member until her retirement after 20 years of dedicated service. An avid reader, Sylvia enjoyed history and murder mysteries, often finding herself lost in the pages of a book. Her love of learning extended beyond the written word, as she had a passion for travel. Whether exploring new destinations with tour groups or embarking on adventures with her local group of travel friends. She is survived by her son Rick Chafin and his wife Lisa; her loving daughter, Penny Chafin; her brothers, Joe W. Willis and his wife Brenda, Perry Kirkland and his wife Marcia, and Ted Kirkland and his wife Denise; sisters-in-law, Ann Flanigan and Doris Ferguson Goldman and husband Harvey; grandchildren, Morgan Holley and her husband Zach, and Elizabeth Spratlin and her husband Russ; great-grandchildren, Fletcher Holley, Finley Holley, Avery Spratlin, and Faye Beth Spratlin. Her memory will also be cherished by a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great- great nieces and nephews..

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas P. Chafin, son, Darran Chafin, brother, Aaron "Bo" Willis, stepfather, James Kirkland, sister-in-law, Glenna Willis and brothers-in-law, Jack Ferguson and Mitchell Flanigan.

As we bid farewell to Sylvia, we celebrate her life and the countless blessings she brought into our world. Her memory will be held in our hearts forever, a testament to a life well-lived, full of love, faith, and the joy of discovery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday evening, April 2, 2025 from 3:30pm until 4:30pm with graveside services at 5pm at Goshen Baptist Church Cemetery.

Beggs Funeral Home, Lincolnton is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Sylvia Elizabeth Willis Chafin.