Obituary of Sylvia Jane Kropp Striffler

Sylvia “Jane” Striffler, 86 of Melbourne, FL woke up in the arms of her Jesus on November 28, 2023.  Jane was born in Spindale, North Carolina on March 6, 1937 to Verlan (Biggerstaff) and Virgil Watkins.  Jane moved to Melbourne, Florida in 1965 from North Carolina. Jane’s first and only job began in 1966 working at Holmes Regional Medical Center as a nursing assistant and then as a phlebotomist and known by all to be able to “get blood from a turnip.” She retired after 31 amazing years in 1997 having made so many lasting friendships and leaving her positivity on everyone she met. 

Jane was born into a family that believed in hard work and keeping a good name; always instilling these same values in her family and reminding them to always remember where they came from.  To know Jane was to love Jane.  She could brighten up your day just by her smile and gentle words.  Jane loved to laugh, she was an encourager, a faithful friend and a beautiful and wonderful momma.  She was passionate about her Lord, her children, and her grandchildren.  Jane had the biggest heart ever, she was loving, kind, patient, selfless, a Believer, God-fearing, generous, humble, precious… and was also known to be a little sassy at times.  Jane touched so very many lives and will be deeply missed.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Striffler, and her son, James “Buba” Justice, sisters Betty Champion and Carolyn Hedden and brother Clark Watkins. She is survived by her daughter Lisa Bye (Daniel) and three grandchildren, Justin Bye, of Melbourne, FL, Taylor Bye, of Cary, NC, currently stationed in Texas, and Will Shulte (Jennifer) of Tulsa, OK, sister Rebecca Petree (Jan), brothers Samuel Watkins, and Henry Watkins (Jane), several  step-children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends that were like family, and her beloved dog, Oakley.

A celebration of her sweet life will be held on Saturday, December 9 at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church, Melbourne 3301 Dairy Road, Melbourne, FL 32904.  To make a donation in Jane’s honor, please make it to First Baptist Melbourne or the Alzheimer’s Association (Alz.org).