Sylvia Bullington Obituary

Sylvia Louise Bullington, 89, of Poplar Bluff, MO, formerly of Greenville, MO, passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Aspire Senior Living in Poplar Bluff. She was born in Peru, IN, November 15, 1935, to Preston and Sarah (Kelton) Browne.

Sylvia was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She lived a life marked by love, service, and spirited enthusiasm.

On November 19, 1955, she married the love of her life, Austin G. Bullington, in Detroit, MI. Together, they shared a rich life and were blessed with six children. Sylvia's love for her family was immeasurable, and she took great pride in their accomplishments.

Sylvia earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Southeast Missouri State University and began her career as a high school English teacher. She later returned to school and obtained her master's degree in Guidance Counseling from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. She retired as a respected and compassionate high school Guidance Counselor from Marquand High School, touching countless lives through education and mentorship.

She was a proud member of the daughters of the American Revolution (Poplar Bluff Chapter), the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, and a dedicated volunteer at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center. A gifted vocalist, Sylvia sang in both the state and national DAR Choirs. Her passion for music was lifelong.

Sylvia was also an accomplished athlete. An avid bowler with a remarkable average of 180. She competed in numerous state and national tournaments from her high school years through the 1980s. She also enjoyed tennis and swimming and remained a loyal fan of the NFL and PGA. She cheered proudly for her Kansas City Chiefs (GO CHEIFS!) and followed Tiger Woods' career with great enthusiasm.

After retiring from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Sylvia found joy in reading non-fiction books and sports almanacs. She cherished quiet time with her family, creating lasting memories that will be treasured for generations. Sylvia was a Christian and of the Presbyterian faith.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of fifty-nine years, beloved sons: Thomas Bullington and Kenneth Bullington; brother: Glendale Cline; sisters: Lee Turner, and Sherry Myers; brother and sister-in-law: Olen and Frances Boyd.

Sylvia is survived by her children: Larry Bullington and wife Joy of Redford, MI; David Bullington and wife Susan of Brentwood; Kathy Langley of Poplar Bluff; and Randy Bullington of Jefferson City; grandchildren: Cindy Miller and husband Jere of Nashville, TN, Lisa Weaver and husband Ed of Nashville, TN, Derek Bullington and wife Desiree of Detroit, MI, Sara Kraemer and husband Jeff of Redford, MI, Melissa Bunfill and husband Tim St. Peters, Becky Panganiban and husband Brandon Chattanooga, TN, Cinnamon Moncier and husband Tristan of Chesterfield, VA, Katlyn Kohlbrecher and husband Brenden of Jefferson City, and Jacob Bullington and wife Ally of St. Louis, as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Sylvia's legacy of compassion, humor, resilience, and devotion to her loved ones will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed.

A graveside service was held at 10:00 am, Monday, August 4, 2025, at Greenville City Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

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