Sylvia Faircloth Brace was born on November 13, 1949 in Tallahassee, FL. She passed away on January 13, 2024 at the age of 74. As a child and teenager she grew up collecting coke bottles to turn in for $0.25 to be able to pursue her passion of roller skating at the local skating rink. She was blessed with the nickname of “Sweetie Mae” by her loved ones as a young child and carried that nickname proud all through the years.
As Sweetie Mae graduated from Leon High School, she began pursuing her occupational goals starting as a secretary for the Department of Forestry with the State of Florida. A few years later she went to work with Sears as a cashier part time not knowing she would meet the love of her life Keith Brace. Oh how lucky the man was to have met such a beautiful, smiling, and loving young Lady. Little did they know, this love for each other would continue for the next 52 years. The astonishing couple would eventually make their way to Crestview, FL after their vows had been exchanged. Once in Crestview, the couple was blessed with a beautiful daughter named Deb. Sylvia found work as an Executive Secretary for John McCaskil at MR&R Trucking Company. She took great pride in her new career. A few years later Sylvia & Keith were then blessed with a handsome son named Chris. After awhile she decided to shift careers to the hardest profession as a fulltime Housewife. She then was able to enjoy her new role in the family, as she was now able to spend great amount of time loving, supporting, and always smiling at all the accomplishments of her husband and children.
Once the children had moved out of the home, Sylvia was not done expanding her knowledge. She continued the Housewife roll as well as now working fulltime with Fred Spears and Associates. She also enrolled with Okaloosa Walton Community College taking college courses. She graduated with her AS Degree at the top of her class in the International Honor Society.
One of the happiest moments of her life was when she became a Granny. Her face would light up with each and every one of them. The grandchildren had the absolute pleasure of always having Granny involved in their life. Granny was constantly at their elementary schools volunteering in various positions making it easier for their transitions and with her exuberant smile, it would ease everything for them. Not only did the grandchildren graduate from elementary school in the 5th grade, they would then have to pass Granny’s etiquette class over the 5th grade summer. She also enjoyed taking them on family trips, would attend every sporting event that she could for each one, played numerous board games, cards, or even a game she would make up, swim, play catch, chase them around…the list goes on. Memories were definitely made.
From beginning of life to the end, Sylvia was a child of God. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Crestview. She continued to pray every day over her husband, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and all her family. She was a great friend, daughter, mother, and loving wife. She was always an absolute delight to have known her or be known by her, her smile would light up every room she ever entered. Her love to everyone will forever carry on through her passing to eternity.
Sylvia is preceded in death by her father, Augustus F. Faircloth, mother, Genie Bowen Faircloth, brother, Ronald F. Faircloth, sister in law, Bobbi Brace.
Sylvia is survived by her husband, Judge Keith Brace, one daughter, Deborah C. Taylor (Gary), one son, Christopher Keith Brace (Shelly), four grandchildren, Creedence Kahler Brace, Maximus Keith Brace, Addison Blake Brace, Dale Riley III, brother in law, Bill Brace, three nephews, Ron Faircloth (Alan), Todd Faircloth (Amy), Michael Sigmon (Heather), four nieces, Tara Atkinson (Brian), Dawn Brace, Julie Brace (Billy), Melissa Sigmon. Also blessed with grand nieces and nephews and cherished friends that were her chosen family.
A funeral will be held on Sunday, January 21, 2024 beginning at 2:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Brackney Funeral Service with Pastor Paul Mixon officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 21, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In Lieu of flowers please donate to https://rmhc.org/donate or https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.
Brackney Funeral Service Chapel
Brackney Funeral Service Chapel
Melinda Strickland
January 16, 2024, 6:45 pm
Praying for the family. Mrs. Brace was such a beautiful and kind person.
Gary Young
January 16, 2024, 7:48 pm
Keith,Chris ,Deb and Family,
So sorry for this sudden loss of Sylvia.I am going to miss her too.My heart is heavy today as I know yours is too,,You all are in my prayers,Whenever we talked she always signed of with “HUGS” and much love which I am sending back to all of you.
Love you Cuz till we meet again.
Gary Young
Jo Watford
January 17, 2024, 2:32 am
I’m so sorry for your loss. She was such a vibrant, smiling, wonderful lady.
Jo
Marilyn Coon
January 17, 2024, 10:51 am
I loved Sylvia. We go way back to the days of working together at MR&R Trucking Company. Our lives have intermingled over the years as we raised our boys. Sylvia leaves a vast vacancy and will be missed.
Joel Lawson
January 17, 2024, 4:47 pm
We are so sad to hear of Sylvia’s passing. I went all the way through school with Sylvia 1-12 and always think of her when passing the home she and Ronnie grew up in on 7th Ave in Tallahassee. She always stayed in touch with her classmates and attended our reunions. Peace of our Lord be with her friends and family.
Joel H Lawson
Leon High School class of 1967
George S. Reynolds, III
January 17, 2024, 5:55 pm
I went through Sealy Elementary Schoo, Augusta Raa Middle School, and Leon High School in Tallahassee, Florida with Sylvia as did many people who knew her when we were growing up. I have not seen her in over 40 years, but I remember her fondly from our 5th grade class (Mrs. Moody). I looked the 5th grade class picture last night and she still looks the same. My sympathy to the family on their loss. Judge George S. Reynolds, III, Tallahassee, FL
MASON TRACY
January 17, 2024, 8:53 pm
I have such great memories of you all taking Justin on vacations with the family. She is such a kind loving person and i know that she will be missed more than words can say. Im praying for all of you during the difficult time.
Sincerley
Tracy Mason
Debra Gerrits
January 17, 2024, 9:08 pm
I am so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.
Delane Charron
January 17, 2024, 9:25 pm
So sorry to hear of Sylvia’s passing. I have so many memories of her from MR&R Trucking. We also followed our boys around in elementary school. And later our families would enjoy many weekends camping together. I have truly lost a dear and close friend, but heaven has gained a very special angel. I will especially miss her contagious smile and laughter.
Martha Ingle
January 17, 2024, 10:25 pm
It is with sadness that I hear of Mrs Brace’s passing. Prayers for Judge Brace and family.
Kimbo
January 17, 2024, 10:32 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss
Sending All my love and prayers to all of you
Love Kimbo & Momma
Karen Henderson
January 17, 2024, 11:32 pm
I am so saddened with the loss of Sylvia. She was truly an angel who survived for her love of her family. Anyone who knew Sylvia will feel the loss of her. She was definately a shining light with a beautiful smile and kind heart. I pray for peace and comfort for all her family and everyone who is hurting from the loss of Sylvia. Rest in peace my sweet sweet friend. I will miss you so much.
Darla Rice Martello
January 17, 2024, 11:39 pm
I cherish my time with Mrs Brace and Judge Brace when they would come to Panama City
I will miss her texts and love to me and my children
Patricia Collins
January 18, 2024, 12:06 am
Sylvia and I attended high school together. She was generous, thoughtful, and sweet person growing up. I remember also with affection Sylvia’s hard working mother who loved her so much. My deepest sympathy to Sylvia’s family.
Patricia Collins, Tallahassee, FL
Wilde Brenda
January 18, 2024, 12:50 am
My heart hurts reading this. Mrs. Brace was a jewel! I never saw her when she wasn’t smiling. Chris and Shelly, you and your family are in my prayers.
Sherry Seymour
January 18, 2024, 3:22 am
I will miss my beautiful friend and her smile . I have done her hair for 30 years and we have shared lots of wonderful conversations over the years and a few secrets. I was her therapy and she was mine ! I loved her so much ! Heaven sure has gained a beautiful angel . Sending hugs and prayers to all of her family !
Patti Fleming
January 18, 2024, 4:31 pm
I first met this sweet lady at a baseball game. We were both there watching our grandsons play. As both of our grandsons grew they both found themselves playing on the same soccer teams. She was always at the games cheering her grandson on. In fact the last time I sat and talked with her was at a soccer game played just before Christmas in Fort Walton Beach. She was bundled up warm because it was a cold night. She wasn’t going to let that cold stop her from being there. I know she will now be watching him play from the best seat in heaven. I’m sure going to miss seeing and talking with her. My prayers go out to her family and friends.
LaDonna Medley
January 18, 2024, 7:06 pm
I was shocked to hear of Sylvia’s passing. My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Donald M. Draughon
January 18, 2024, 9:03 pm
We were kids together on W. 6th Avenue in the 50s, her brother Ronnie and I were best friends. I know she will be missed.
Renee Rogers
January 19, 2024, 2:02 pm
Our family has been blessed by knowing Sylvia Brace. Her kind words and vibrant smile always made everyone feel special. You all are in our prayers.
Lynda Wambles
January 19, 2024, 4:30 pm
Dear Keith and family,
My heart goes out to all of you at this time of loss. The facebook post by Chris and this beautiful obituary capture the essence of who she was — She was one of the most gracious and loving persons I have ever known. My prayers are with you today and in the coming days. I have the fondest memories of all the occasions that my husband, Byron, and I spent with you. With love and hugs to all. Lynda Wambles
Charla Cotton
January 20, 2024, 9:06 pm
“IF”… Such a big word
If I had known, sweet friend, I would have called more, driven further,
stayed later, and squeezed tighter
If I needed a smile, if I needed a hand, if I needed a hug,
If we hadn’t talked in months, you were there.
On second thought… maybe it wasn’t an “if”. It was always a “when”.
In 40 plus years, when I needed a friend the most, you were there.
I”ll think of you when I need to be sweeter, when I need to be kinder, when I
need to be happier…
Because you were my friend
You are still my sweet friend. I miss you deeply, but your presence lasts a lifetime.
Charla Cotton
January 20, 2024, 10:38 pm
If
“If”… such a big word.
If I had known, sweet friend, I would have called more, driven further, stayed later, and squeezed tighter.
If I needed a smile, if I needed a hand, if I needed a hug…
If we hadn’t talked in months, you were there.
On second thought, maybe it wasn’t an “if”.
It was always a “When”.
In forty years when I needed a friend the most, you were always there.
I’ll keep you with me now and I’ll think of you ,..
When I need to be sweeter, when I need to be kinder, when I need to be happier.
When I think of you, my friend, I will be these things,
Because you were my friend.
You are still my sweet friend. I miss you deeply!
Your presence will be with me forever.
Rhonda Hubbard
January 20, 2024, 11:04 pm
I’m so sorry to hear this news. (A very kind lady). Prayers of comfort for her family.
Dixie Dan Powell
January 21, 2024, 1:45 am
Godly Wife and Mother , Loved by all, disliked by none , Beautiful Lady inside and out and an inspiration to all of us! We love you ! Dixie, Terri, Dixieanna, Audrie and Dixon Powell
Ron Faircloth
January 21, 2024, 11:08 pm
I will miss my wonderful Aunt Sylvia, she was such a kind giving person ….love you, little Ron ❣️
Gil Fortner
January 22, 2024, 5:23 am
It was such a pleasure to have known such a caring and friendly classy lady. Keith was indeed blessed to have loved such a special wife and to have shared their life together. I will miss our days when we got to visit a moment and catch up while out shopping. Keith, always remember the times you shared and celebrated and know that she appreciated the loving assistance you gave her in her later years. Chris and Deb remember your mom’s love and her desire for the very best for your lives. Partings are difficult, but her faith has prepared her for her eternal reward. May God Bless you all with his strength at this moment and that he continue to give you comfort and peace in the days to come.
Angela (Jordan) Barry
February 4, 2024, 9:24 pm
Sweet Sylvia will definitely be missed- the big smile on her face in the obituary photo is the way I always picture her. Not only was she a dear friend to my parents, but I just thought the world of her. She was always very quick witted and never failed to make me laugh. She was always faithful to check on my parents, as well as me and my own children. We will miss her here on earth, but I can only imagine the welcome she received in Heaven.
Jonathan Green
April 7, 2024, 10:46 pm
To the Honorable Judge Keith Brace and family,
While I’m a few months late to post this I’m also just now finding out. My condolences as well.