Sylvia Ranson Pack
Sylvia Ranson Pack of Appomattox, VirginiaNovember 27, 1946 - December 4, 2022
Sylvia Ranson Pack, 76, of Appomattox, Va. died at Lynchburg General Hospital on December 4, 2022.
Sylvia is survived by her husband, Henry Broderick “Brod” Pack, III, her daughters and their spouses, Terri Hamlett Harris (Michael Brennan Harris) of Williamsburg, Va., Kelly Lynn Hamlett of Forest, Va., Gina Hamlett Waddell (Jeremy Waddell) of Williamsburg, Va.; her stepsons and spouse, Henry Broderick “Rick” Pack, IV (Jessica Pack) and William A. Pack both of Appomattox, Va.; her 12 grandchildren, Kayleigh, Sydney, and Jake Harris; Baileigh, Barrett, and Layne Clements; Grey and Nash Waddell; Alex, Brock, and Rachel Pack, and Jackson Cates. Sylvia is also survived by her brother-in-law, Walter Day; niece, Tammy Day; nephews, Davin and Todd Day; and numerous cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Boyd Calvin and Odelle Mann Ranson and her sister, Gloria Ranson “Treenie” Day.
Sylvia was born on November 27, 1946, in Lynchburg, Va. She grew up in a loving family that valued extended family including grandparents, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She graduated from Brookville High School in 1965, where she performed as a majorette along with her sister. Sylvia was adventurous and always curious. She loved nature and animals of all kinds. As a child, her pets included a horse and a pet monkey named “Rusty.” She was an eager student and was the first in her family to attend college. Sylvia received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Madison College (now James Madison University).
She loved being a student so much that she decided to become a teacher. She taught Nursery School at Liberty Baptist Church for two years and taught for the Appomattox County School system for a total of 16 years. She was a friend to all her co-workers at Appomattox County High School and a mentor and confidante to many of her students. Everyone knew “Mrs. Hamlett.” She served as the Jr Class sponsor for years decorating for and chaperoning many proms. At the same time that she was teaching high school and raising a family, Sylvia took evening classes at Longwood College and obtained a master’s degree.
Along with her first husband, Ronnie Hamlett, she raised three daughters and was somehow present for every performance or event in their young lives. Sylvia created a loving home and was her children’s biggest fan. She oversaw countless sleepovers, family dinners, and even took her kids to Burger King for breakfast on paydays. Sylvia was a great role model and example of service for her children and grandchildren. She put others first.
Sylvia married Brod Pack in 2001 and together they eventually enjoyed a total of 12 grandchildren. While Sylvia had numerous talents and roles in her life, those she held dearest were wife, mother, and Nana. Not only did Sylvia adore her grandchildren, her grandchildren thought she “hung the moon.” She was their favorite person. She was funny and silly and fed them lots of junk food. Most of all, she let them know how much she cared about and believed in them. She always told her children and grandchildren “Love you bunches.”
Among her favorite past-times were vacations at Myrtle Beach where she and Brod spent hours searching for and collecting shells and shark teeth. Sylvia was a member of Appomattox Court House Presbyterian Church where she spent many years “keeping the nursery” which she loved. Sylvia was also a member of The Spout Spring Ruritan Club and was involved with the local homeopathic study group.
The family will receive friends at Robinson Funeral Home on Friday, December 9, 2022, from 6-8pm.
A service to celebrate Sylvia’s life will be held at Appomattox Courthouse Presbyterian Church on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at 11am with Rev. Gene Beverly officiating. Burial will follow in Liberty Cemetery.
Those wishing to make memorials please consider a donation in Sylvia’s memory to Appomattox Court House Presbyterian Church, PO Box 85, Appomattox, VA 24522 or American Cancer Society, PO Box 1084, Appomattox, VA 24522.
Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. An online condolence may be sent by visiting www.robinsonfuneral.com
