Sylvia Hardin Searcy, 87, died Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Kadima Rehabilitation and Nursing in Lititz, PA. Born October 15,1938 in Rutherfordton, NC to Joseph & Eunice Hardin, she was the oldest of five children. Sylvia, a woman of strong Christian faith, carried the values of hard work and service with her throughout her life. After graduating from Rutherfordton–Spindale High School in 1956, Sylvia raised four children with former husband Ray Searcy. She loved to care for everyone around her, always putting the needs of family and friends before her own. Sylvia's family, spread across North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Alabama, and Tennessee, was the greatest joy of her life.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Eunice Hardin; her siblings, Wyman Hardin, Freida Yelton, and Nelma Rhodes; and her niece, Crystal Ledford. Left to cherish memories of Sylvia are her four children – Tim Searcy (Janet), Roger Searcy (Alicia), Lisa Wawrzyniak (John), and Rhonda Stone, nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and dear friends, and her sister, Rita Lane.

Sylvia's legacy of unwavering faith and devotion to both her family and friends will continue to live on through all who knew and loved her. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on January 31, 2026, at New Covenant Fellowship, 1305 Hulsey Road, Carthage, NC 28327.