Syd Conty

It is with a heavy heart that the daughters of Sydney Carlisle Conty, 72 of Kingsburg, California, announce her passing on January 01, 2021, in Selma, California. Syd was born to William Edgecomb and Marion Baird on March 3, 1948 in Spokane, Washington. A woman of strong faith, Syd was always involved with her church even working as an administrator for a Christian school in Orange County. It was at that time she learned she was pregnant with her fist daughter Amber Elise, and as she told the story many times "Good mothers don't live in the city and drive sports cars," so she sold her car and her condo, bought a yellow station wagon and moved to the California Klamath River. While on the River she also welcomed her second daughter, Bethany Nicole. Life wasn't always easy, but it was during this time Syd developed the deepest of friendships which provided her meaningful fellowship and support throughout her life. Syd worked very hard to raise and support her two daughters, often working multiple jobs to ensure they had every opportunity to participate in the activities they wanted, cheer, band, horse riding; she wanted her girls to have the best. It wasn't until later in life she found her true passion in social work. Syd valued hard work and education and instilled those values in Amber and Beth. She graduated with a Master of Science from California State University Fresno and obtained her Marriage, Family and Child Counseling license. Syd worked in the Social Work field for over 28 years in a multitude of capacities, from teaching social science at Fresno City College, job placement for South East Asian refugees, working with foster children placement for Foster Friends, a CPS worker for the State of Missouri and then returning to teaching a wide variety of social subjects as a professor at Drury University until she finally retired in 2019. Syd loved nature and while she wasn't exactly a country gal, she cherished the time she was able to live amongst the trees, watching the deer and birds just outside the windows of her little Missouri house. She spent 17 years in Mansfield Missouri where she was able to enjoy the fellowship of her dearest life long friends as well as countless, shall we say, exuberant games of Mexican Train Dominoes. For most, 2020 was a year they would like to forget, but for Syd it was a year of great celebration, she was able to witness the beautiful wedding of Beth and Josh. She moved back to California where the weather was warmer and was able to live next door to Amber and Steve which afforded her the opportunity of being a great-grandma. Although she only lived in Kingsburg for a short time, she loved this little magical town and her beautiful house, but most of all she loved to hear the church bells ring every hour. She ended 2020 celebrating her favorite time of year, Christmas, with both her girls and their families. Even though she wasn't feeling well she was able to exchange gifts with her great-grandkids on Christmas Eve, a memory everyone will cherish. In the end, Syd said her life was complete; she was able to witness Amber and Beth both in love, happy and making a difference in their communities. Her job was done and it was good. Syd was preceded in death by her parents, William Edgecomb and Marion Wallace, her sister Shelley Slack and her dearest friend and brother in the Lord Gordon Schaeffer. She is survived by two daughters, Amber E. Taunton (Steve Dillard) of Kingsburg, CA and Bethany Golden (Joshua) of Mansfield, MO; four grandchildren, Garrett Golden, Riley Golden, Melissa Brown (Mike), and Stephanie Dillard; and five great-grandchildren, Skyler Lee, Shealynn Lee, Daeln Brown, Braelee Brown, and Hunter Brown. Syd is also survived by her dear fellowship family and lets not forget her fur baby Elle and grandpuppy Maddie. Sydney was truly a unique soul and will be dearly missed by all who loved her. A Visitation will be held from 2-5pm Monday, January 4, 2021 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave, Visalia CA 93277. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Syd Conty

March 3, 1948 - January 1, 2021