Sylvia Jean Mays-Townsend
March 22, 1940 – May 2, 2025

With great love and deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Sylvia Jean Mays-Townsend on May 2, 2025, at the age of 85. Sylvia’s life was filled with joy, laughter, heartbreak, and resilience — a story that spanned generations and touched countless hearts. Born in Houston, Texas, on March 22, 1940, Sylvia spent her early childhood in the heart of the Lone Star State.

At age nine, in 1949, her life took a pivotal turn when her mother, Lyndell Giacomini Mays, inherited a small ranch on Centerville Road in Ferndale. The family packed up and made the unforgettable journey west along Route 66 in a brand-new sparkling Hudson, settling into the rural beauty of Humboldt County.

Sylvia attended Ferndale Elementary and later Ferndale High School, where she met and fell in love with her first husband, Art Hurd. Together, they had three children: Art Jr., Leslie, and Lisa. Tragically, Art passed away in a drowning accident at the mouth of the Eel River in 1964, leaving Sylvia a young widow at the age of 24. Despite immense grief, Sylvia pressed forward with remarkable strength.

She later married Fred Goff, and they welcomed a son, Stace. That chapter, too, was marked by loss, as Fred died in a car accident in 1970. Sylvia’s resilience never waned. In time, she found companionship and stability again with Jerry “Bud” Townsend, who adopted all four of her children. Though their marriage ended in divorce in 1986, Sylvia remained devoted to her family. In her later years, Sylvia reconnected with Ray Page, a dear friend from elementary school. Their companionship brought light and love to her final chapter.

Sylvia had an artistic soul — not in the traditional sense of paintbrush and canvas, but in the way she made life beautiful. Whether through home decorating, crafting intricate wreaths, or simply finding humor in everyday predicaments, her creativity and spirit shined brightly. She was a constant source of laughter and warmth, lovingly known as Grandma Pill, Gramma, and GG.

Sylvia is survived by her beloved children: Art Townsend, Leslie O’Neil (Jim), Lisa Cooney (Brian), and Stace Townsend (Pegi); 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one treasured great-great-grandson, Elijah, who held a special place in her heart during her final years.

A celebration of Sylvia’s life will be announced and held later this summer. Until then, her memory lives on in the laughter, love, and stories shared by all who knew her. She was, and always will be, deeply loved.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Sylvia Jean Mays-Townsend’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.