Nell Fricke Sylvest, 92, a resident of Franklinton died Monday June 3, 2024 at her home. She was a devoted Christian woman whose life centered on family and faith. Nell grew up attending and later raised her own family in Bethel Baptist Church, a church founded in 1907 by hers and Mr.. Lawrence’s grandfathers. At Bethel, she taught Sunday School, played the piano for countless church services and sang in the choir. Every summer, her car would be filled with young children she brought to Vacation Bible School. Later on, she and her husband were active members of Hillcrest Baptist Church for many years, where she fellowshipped in the Sisters of Strength Sunday School Class. Most recently, Nell attended Victory Baptist Church on many occasions before her health prevented her from going. She truly loved the Lord and each of her church families. After her children began school, Nell worked in the accounting departments and offices of Dairyman, Inc. for 13 years and she served at Bickham Oil and National Grocery in Franklinton for several years. Nell enjoyed cooking for her family, church and friends and was known for her delicious dumplings and dressing. She cherished all the time spent with her beloved family.
Survived by:
Son and Daughter in law: Lawrence Elwyn, II “Larry” and Debbie Sylvest of Franklinton
Daughter: Kathy Lenora Sylvest of Franklinton
Son in law: Devoy Hill of Franklinton
8 Grandchildren and Spouses: Lawrence Elwyn, III “Tres” and Debra Sylvest, Jason Charles Sylvest and Erin Sylvest, Elizabeth and Derek Kennedy, Jeremy Devoy Hill, Jacob Alan Varnado, Jared Evan Varnado, Stuart and Marie Varnado, Kyle and Leslie Varnado
Great-grandchildren: Kirsten Sylvest, Ashlyn Sylvest, Amber and Travis Dedeaux, Justin Sylvest, Emma Hill, Nora Sylvest, Kristina V. Seal and Bradley Seal, Dylan Varnado, Mason Varnado, Madesyn Varnado, Morgan Varnado
4 Great-great-grandchildren
Brother and Sister in law: Dudley and Helen Fricke of Baton Rouge
Sister in law: Jeanette Fisher Sylvest of Franklinton
Also numerous beloved nieces, nephews and other family members.
She was preceded in death by daughters Jeri Sylvest Hill, Rhonda Nell Sylvest Varnado, husband of 72 years Lawrence Elwin Sylvest, parents George Fricke and Edna Corkern Fricke, sister Tessie Graham, sister and brother in law Martha and Osler Goss, brothers and sisters in law Pete and Sue Fricke, Fred and Fran Fricke, Ray and Boots Fricke, brothers in law Billy Sylvest, Sammy Sylvest, brother in law and sister in law Joe Floyd and Ann Sylvest, sister in law and brother in law Freda and Enoch Welch and son in law Harold Varnado.
Visitation will be at Bethel Baptist Church (42592 Bethel Road, Franklinton) on Friday June 7th from 12:00 pm until 3:00 pm. A funeral service will be held in the church at 3:00 pm Friday with Bro. Gary King, Bro. Larry Archote and Bro. Rick Cook officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Members of Washington Parish Fire District #2 will serve as pallbearers.
The family was served by Crain Funeral Home of Franklinton.
