Sylvia Moyer Smeltzly

Sylvia Nannette Moyer Smeltzly, 82 Lakeland - Sylvia Nannette Moyer Smeltzly was born November 10, 1934 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and passed away June 21, 2017 in Lakeland, Florida. She was the only child of Roscoe and Verna Rosenberger Moyer. Sylvia treasured her growing up years in the small town of Silverdale and she was always proud of her Pennsylvania Dutch Heritage. After graduating from Sellersville-Perkasie High School in 1952, she came to Lakeland to attend Florida Southern College. Sylvia met her future husband, Hal Smeltzly, at Southern in January of 1953, they became engaged in July of 1953 and married in June 1954. While Hal completed work on his college degrees, Sylvia was a stay at home mother with their three daughters. During those years, she continued to work part-time on completing her college education, graduating in 1964. After graduation, Sylvia began what was to be a long career as a public school teacher and media specialist at Cleveland Court Elementary School. She was teacher of the year in 1980, the same year she partnered in initiating the first elementary school computer laboratory in the county. Later, after moving from the classroom to the Media Center, Sylvia was a pioneer in the area of school wide television communication, laser and computer technology. Summer breaks from teaching allowed Sylvia the opportunity to share the many travel opportunities that came with her husband’s involvement with international baseball. Always an avid reader and lover of books, the transition from the classroom to the media center was natural and the exposure to the younger students a delight for her. After her retirement in 1997, she undertook a variety of volunteer opportunities all of which involved children. The Smeltzly daughters, Debra Lee, Lora Jaye and Sara Louise were the pride and joy of their mother’s life. After retirement, golf was an important ingredient in Sylvia’s life. She was an active member of the Grasslands Women’s Association for more than twenty years. Sylvia is survived by her husband of 63 years, Hal Smeltzly, 3 daughters, Debra Lee, Lora Jaye and Sara Louise and 3 grandchildren, Elizabeth, Chloe and Lily and son-in-laws, Greg, Michael and Jim. A service will be held Friday, June 23, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Heath Funeral Chapel with a reception to follow in the Tribute Center. Memorials may be made to the Carol Jenkins Pavilion for Women and Children. Gifts may be sent to Lakeland Regional Health Foundation, P.O. Box 95448, Lakeland, FL 33804.