Sylvia Langford
Sylvia Langford was born on July 20, 1943, to parents Eddie and Earnest Johnson. She was born and raised in Crystal Springs, later moving to Jackson where she graduated from Byram High. Sylvia did very well in school and graduated a year early, just like her mother. She went on to attend Southwestern College of Christian Ministries, where she graduated in 1963 with her bachelor’s degree. While there, she met the love of her life, Rick Langford, and they would go on to be married in 1965.
They lived the next 14 years in Mississippi, where they had a baby boy, Marcus, in 1967. After moving to Texas, they added a baby girl, Holly, in 1979. They moved back home to Crystal Springs in 1997.
Sylvia was a loving wife and mother. She was a hard worker and worked alongside her husband in their wallpaper and tile business for many years. She loved to show off her beautiful daughter in beauty pageants and even became involved in TCCRA after her husband and son started racing motocross. Many who knew her recently may not know this, but this tough lady raced and jumped dirt bikes into her 50s and didn’t stop riding till she was 76…wow. She loved all things outdoors.
Sylvia was a member of Springs of Praise here in Crystal Springs for over 28 years. She was an integral and beloved part of the church as she worked alongside her brother, Charles Johnson (children’s church pastor), as the children’s church director, where she literally took care of everything–the finances, fundraisers, curriculum, event planning. Her brother said, “All I had to do was show up,” and that was the truth. What a blessing.
She also worked alongside her sister, Sandra Loar (IPHC director), as her right hand, Sandra would say. Together they would plan and direct IPHC church camps. She was also by Sandra’s side for every Accelerant and Youthquest event and lock-in, all while taking care of the youth finances. But her biggest title was as chauffeur. If the kids or youth went anywhere, it was because she took them. She did so much it’s hard to list it all.
Her church family knew her as one who worked tirelessly and quietly behind the scenes, never needing praise or recognition. Sylvia truly had a servant’s heart. She gave her all for her family, her church, and the Kingdom of God.
There is no doubt she will hear those beautiful words…..well done my good and faithful servant.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Eddie Johnson, and brothers, Norris Johnson and Richard Johnson.
She is survived by her husband, Rick Langford; son, Marcus Langford (Betty), of Crystal Springs; daughter, Holly Ferro (Chris), of Hurst, Texas; grandchildren, Bryce Langford (Tori), Judy Slay Tuten (Lane), Drew Slay, Haley Davis, Jacob Davis, and James Ford; great-grandchildren, Finley Langford, Briggs Slay, and Drake Slay; brother, Charles Johnson, of Crystal Springs; and sister, Sandra Loar (Danny), of Wesson.
A celebration of life service was held on Jan. 3 at Springs of Praise in Crystal Springs.
