Sylvia was born in Carroll County, Virginia on September 8, 1919, to John and Nell Largen, their firstborn. A sister, Audrey, followed two years later on the same date. Another sister, Maude, and a brother, John, also known as JE, completed the family.
She graduated high school in 1937 and continued her education at Raleigh Beauty School. On June 8, 1939, she married Milton Lee Cashatt in Smith Grove Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Together they built a home and started their family. Firstborn Norris Lee was born March 8, 1942. In the midst of World War II, Milton moved the family to Norfolk, Virginia and worked in the shipyard. Their second daughter, Sharon Elaine, was born November 23, 1944. Many amusing stories were told during that time, since they shared a house with her brother, sister, and brother-in-law.
The family returned to Winston-Salem but soon after sold their home feeling called to go into full time ministry. This eventually led them to Missouri where they started new churches and pastored others. During this time, a third daughter, Joanna Faye, was born October 17, 1954. Sylvia’s ministry included preaching to her favorite audience, children and youth. She had many flannel graph stories, chalk talk, and illustrated stories that she would use. She and Milton each held positions with the Missouri Pentecostal Holiness Church.
Milton began an upholstery business in 1953. Sylvia enjoyed helping him by sewing the fabric for furniture reupholstering and by helping him refinish all kinds of furniture. They were a great team, and many times their daughters would be part of that team.
While living in Coffeyville Kansas, Sylvia lost her beloved husband to a heart attack in 1972. A year later she and Joanna moved to California. She obtained a job with San Joaquin Gardens as a Dietary Aide starting on September 13, 1973, and retired on September 13, 2001. She loved her job and retired at age 82 because her eyesight would not allow her to continue.
Sylvia also loved traveling with her young family and until she no longer could travel. Many precious memories were made with her sisters, brother, daughters, and their families. Anyone who wanted to travel wouldn’t have to ask her twice, she was ready. She also loved sewing anything from doll clothes to grown up clothes, making quilts, and embroidery. Reading was also a great pastime for her, but she had to transition to audio books when she developed macular degeneration.
A precious gift she shared was her love of singing. She and her sisters so enjoyed singing together and all those who heard were blessed. Many sweet memories live on for Sharon and Joanna of singing with her and listening to their mom and dad sing together until he passed.
She was blessed with eight grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and seventeen great-great grandchildren.
