Sylvia Gates Wood Mayer, of Houston, TX, passed away in her home on Friday, July 28, 2023. She was 89. Beloved wife, mother, daughter, and grandmother, Sylvia was born in Pawhuska, OK, on February 13, 1934. She spent her earliest years in Pawhuska and Tulsa, OK, and, briefly, in Pine Bluff, AR, before moving with her family to St. Louis, MO, when she was 12.

Sylvia graduated Normandy High School in St. Louis, MO, (Class of 1952), before studying journalism at the University of Missouri, (Columbia), where she was a Pi Beta Phi sorority girl. After college, she continued her studies, and her love for singing, with formal vocal training at the Conservatory of Music and Dance in Kansas City, MO.

Upon completion of all studies, Sylvia Wood, sold advertising for the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, previous to meeting and marrying her husband, Alfred H. Mayer, a St. Louis new homebuilder. At the Globe-Democrat, she was one of two females in an all male 1950's newspaper world. In addition to her position of selling advertising for the paper, her writing effortlessly characterized her as a unique and gifted storyteller. She advanced her prospects at the Globe with ease, earned many accolades, and was once named and photographed, "Miss Page One", for the paper.

After marrying, she welcomed three children, Laura, James and Guy. Additionally, she was blessed to be part-time mom to two beautiful young stepdaughters from her husband's previous marriage; Jan and Julie. While continuing to live in St. Louis, Mo, she remained active in her community in addition to her role as mother and wife.

In 1971, Mr. Mayer moved the family to Houston, TX, to start new homebuilding enterprise, Trendmaker Homes, (currently operating as Tri-Pointe Homes). Sylvia's parents joined in the family move, and in Mr. Mayer's business. As always, after the move to Houston, Sylvia's first passion continued to be her family and the events that surrounded them. A devoted Christian woman, in her middle years, she embarked on a pre-ministerial course of study at the City of Light Ministries, where she graduated. In addition to her role at the center of her family, in later years, she was the primary caretaker for both of her parents as they aged.

An exceptionally beautiful woman inside and out, Sylvia will most be remembered for her genuinely caring heart, her warm and charming personality, and for her tireless devotion to her family. Ever as engaging on the phone as she was in person, to all those who knew her well, the world has always been a better place with "Syl" around.

Sylvia G. Mayer is predeceased by her grandparents, Claude ("Mac") and Esther McDermott, and her parents, Jim and Eleanor Wood. She is survived by her three children, Laura L. Mayer, James ("Jim") R. Mayer and his wife Deanna, and Guy L. Mayer; by her two step-daughters, Jan L. Pagel and Julie A. Leighton, and by three grandchildren, Alyson Mayer, Arin Pagel and Whitney Villmer.

A funeral service and celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023, at 2:00pm at the Klein Funeral Home, Magnolia-The Woodlands, 14711 FM 1488; Magnolia, Texas 77354.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice