Sybil Still

Sybil Pyle Still (December 13, 1930 - August 15, 2026)

Sybil Pyle Still of the Sowhatchee Community went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 15, 2026, passing peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family.

Sybil was a devoted member of Zion Free Will Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for all ages for more than 60 years. She was also a faithful member of the church’s Ladies Auxiliary, where she treasured the special friendships she formed with its members over the years. She was a longtime member of the Georgia Retired Educators Association and the Blakely Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she served in various local and state offices. Traveling throughout Georgia with fellow members and friends was one of the highlights of her retirement.

Sybil was born in Miller County, Georgia, on December 13, 1930, to the late John Sibley and Agnes Mae Houston Pyle in the home of her grandparents, Sheriff and Mrs. Benny Edgar Houston. She was raised on the family farm, where she worked in the fields and helped with livestock. She loved traveling by wagon to Saturday night gospel sings, but her fondest childhood memories were of time spent with her cousins, with whom she remained close throughout her life.

Sybil attended school in Cedar Springs, Georgia, graduating from Jakin High School in 1947. She went on to attend Mount Berry College in Rome, Georgia, where she worked in the laundry, bakery, cannery, and sewing room to help fund her education. During college, she was active in the Georgia Literary Society, Chorus, Cooperative Government Club, Home Economics Club, and Religious Education Club. She was also honored as a member of Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Sybil treasured her college years and maintained lifelong friendships with her classmates, eagerly attending college reunions throughout the years.

Upon graduation, Sybil began her teaching career in Brinson, Georgia, teaching Home Economics and Biology before transferring to Jakin High School. She eventually became a teacher at Early County Elementary School, where she completed 34 years in education. She was dearly loved by generations of students. A simple trip to the grocery store could bring a familiar and joyful call of, “Ms. Still!” Her Christmas tree was adorned each year with handmade and gifted ornaments from her students, and she remembered each one with love.

Sybil’s greatest pride and joy were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She raised her five children in church and instilled in them the value of faith, education, hard work, and service to others.

Perhaps the greatest way Sybil will be remembered is for her servant’s heart. For more than 25 years, there was scarcely a sick or shut-in this side of the Chattahoochee River whom she did not faithfully visit and care for. She gave generously of her time and herself, becoming a true example of what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Sybil was also known for the pride she took in her gardens. She grew an abundance of cut flowers to share with the community for church events, showers, and other occasions. She knew her flowers by their scientific names and was especially talented in creating beautiful floral arrangements. Sharing the beauty she had grown was one of the many ways she brought joy to others.

Sybil was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Juanita Pyle Merritt; her brother, George Pyle; her daughter, Rema Victoria Still; her grandson, Jamie Still; and the father of her children, John Louis Still, Sr.

She is survived by her children, Susan Waldrop (Darrell) of Tifton, Georgia; Johnny Still (Mary Ellen) of Colquitt, Georgia; Mark Still (Lisa) of Blakely, Georgia; and Robyn Elliot (Tim) of Haleburg, Alabama; and her sister-in-law, Jane Reese Pyle.

She was a proud grandmother of ten: the late Jamie Still (Amanda), Josh Still (Kimberly), Joanna Graves (Will), Tom Waldrop (Heather), Rusk Still (Kerri), Jesse Layng (John), Ansley Still, Paige Gore (Josh), Kelsey Elliot, and Jase Elliot. She was a great-grandmother to 23 and a great-great-grandmother to one. She also leaves behind many special nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Sybil was blessed in her final days by the loving care of two special angels, Denechia Hightower and Christy Foster, as well as the compassionate caregivers of Gentiva Hospice Care of Bainbridge, Georgia. Her family is deeply grateful for the love and care they gave her.

Family and friends will gather for visitation at Manry Jordan Funeral Home on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A celebration of her life will be held at Zion Free Will Baptist Church on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The service will be officiated by Rev. Duane Littlefield, with Dr. Alex Howell co-officiating and leading the congregation in song. Burial will follow at Sowhatchee Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Josh Still, Tom Waldrop, Rusk Still, Jase Elliot, Will Graves, John Layng, and Josh Gore. Honorary pallbearers will be Arthur Brackin, Mike Ellis, Steve Ellis, David Powell, Steve Anderson, Ronnie Willis, Gerald Howell, Billy Cannon, and Chip Houston. Members of the Order of the Eastern Star from all chapters are invited to sit together in a place of honor during the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ministries of Zion Free Will Baptist Church and made payable to either “Zion Free Will Baptist Savings” or “Zion Free Will Baptist Cemetery Fund” and mailed to:  Kay Willis ,14859 Cedar Springs Rd., Blakely, GA 39823

Sybil leaves behind a legacy of faithfulness, service, beauty, and love. She spent her life teaching, serving, nurturing, visiting, giving, and loving others well. She will be deeply missed by her family, her church, her former students, and the many people whose lives were touched by her kindness.