Sylvia Smallwood

Sylvia Smallwood, age 98, passed away November 24, 2018 after a short illness. She was born on July 2, 1920 and was orphaned at the age of 5. She spent many years in an orphanage and in service to other families as a young girl and teenager.

On March 9, 1939, she married Ralph Schneider. Ralph had two young sons, Ralph and Harold whom Sylvia helped to care for and raise. Together, Ralph and Sylvia had one child, Eloise. They were married for 25 years.

Sylvia married Bob Smallwood on April 23, 1966. They were married for 13 years until his death in 1979.

Sylvia spent all of her adult life working at various companies in Akron and caring for her family. She worked at BF Goodrich for over 30 years until her retirement. One of her most notable memories at Goodrich was meeting the astronaut team while her division was constructing space suits.

Among Sylvia’s fondest accomplishments was the life of her only child Eloise, who was the light of her life and her home that she renovated and meticulously cared for well into the 80’s.

Preceded in death by both of her husbands; Ralph Schneider and Bob Smallwood; daughter, Eloise Neeley; and sisters, Vera, Betty and Velma.

She is survived by her son-in-law and caregiver for the past 7 years, Dayton Neeley; step-sons, Harold (Marilyn) Schneider and Ralph (Mary Ann) Schneider; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and extended family.

Funeral Services will be held, WEDNESDAY, November 28, 2018 at 10:00am at Cox-McNulty Funeral Home, 222 Norton Avenue, Barberton. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10:00-11:00am. Private burial will take place at Greenlawn Cemetery.

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