Born: February 26, 1941 - Deceased: October 2, 2026
Sylvia A Ninnis, nee Anderson, 85, of Caseyville, IL, born Wednesday, February 26, 1941, in East St. Louis, IL, passed away Friday, October 2, 2026 at her residence.
Sylvia was a woman of strong faith, a loving sister, mother and grandmother, a cherished friend, and someone who always looked for ways to bring encouragement and joy to those around her. Sylvia worked as an educator for Venice Grade School for over 40 years and was a former teacher/director of My School Preschool. She was very active at St. Matthew Church in Belleville, IL, where her faith and love for others were an important part of her life and where she willingly served whenever she was needed. Sylvia was also proud to be involved in the P.E.O. Sisterhood – Chapter EY in Belleville and with the New Life Club at St. Matthew Church and was known for her thoughtful and creative way of encouraging people. She created monthly inspirational and funny pamphlets that she shared with others, bringing a little laughter, hope, and positivity into their lives. Her sense of humor and her ability to make people smile were special parts of who she was. Family was incredibly important to Sylvia. She was a proud mother of three beautiful daughters, loving grandmother of seven grandchildren and was recently blessed with becoming a great-grandmother. She treasured the time she spent with her family and took great joy in watching her family grow. Sylvia also treasured her longtime friendships. One of her favorite traditions was meeting with her high school friends for their Friday night fish dinners. These gatherings gave her the opportunity to laugh, catch up, share memories, and enjoy the company of people who had been part of her life for many years. In her free time, Sylvia enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles, watching game shows, and playing Rummikub. Whether she was serving at church, encouraging someone with one of her pamphlets, spending time with family and friends, or simply enjoying one of her favorite pastimes, Sylvia had a way of making those around her feel cared for and loved. Though she will be deeply missed, we take comfort in knowing the Lord has called her home and are eternally grateful for the profound blessing of her presence in our lives.
She was preceded in death by her:
- Father: Willie Anderson
- Mother: Evelyn Anderson
- Brother-in-law: David Carroll
- Great-nephew: David J. Carroll
Surviving are her:
- Daughters
- Sherri (Mike) Tjemmes of Waterloo, IL
- Lori (Joe) Zimmerman of Mandeville, LA
- Kelly Deal (Kevin Davis) of Mascoutah, IL
- Sister: Sharon Carroll of Jerseyville, IL
- Grandchildren
- Michael Mueller (Jess Drennon)
- Ava Zimmerman
- Ryan (Kaymi) Zimmerman
- Donovan Tjemmes (Kayla Cooper)
- Merideth Tjemmes (Xander Koonce)
- Abigail Deal
- Makayla Deal
- Great-granddaughter: Avery A. Zimmerman
- Nieces
- Julie Carroll
- Allison Iversen
- Nephew: Damon (Jill) Carroll
- Great-niece: Hannah (Dylan) Johns
- Great-great nephew: Elijah
- Special cousins
- Cat companion: Suzie Q
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the St. Matthew Chancel Choir or the New Life Club.
Visitation: Visitation from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sunday, October 11, 2026 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.
Services: Funeral Services will be held at 5:00 p.m., Sunday, October 11, 2026 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Rev. Bob Swickard officiating. Private family burial will take place at Lake View Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, IL.
12 Comments
I taught with Sylvia at My School! She was a delight to be around. Everyone loved her & her infectious personality! She was a great teacher & a very classy lady. I’m sorry for our loss. Peace & Blessings!!
Sylvia lit up the room when she walked into it. I first met her when she and I were in The Salvation Army Women’s Club. Every time we saw each other we asked each other “when are we going to lunch?” We will do it when we meet again. Rest in Peace my friend – you will be missed.
Sylvia lit up the room when she entered. Sylvia and I became friends when we were members of The Salvation Army Women’s Club. A great person to work with – Rest in Peace my friend – you will be missed.
I met Sylvia exactly 1 year ago and she has become one of my best friends. Between puzzles, snacks and jokes followed by belly-laughs, I came to call her my walking ray of sunshine. I could never figure out how such a sassy gal could also have the softest and kindest of hearts. She helped me more than I ever helped her– she grew a huge chamber in my heart and became a loved one. She would pray with me during tough times, and celebrate the good times. It was such an honor and pleasure to spend the last few days she had together. A living angel. I will always remember our goodbye– a sweet treat, a warm hug, and the words “I love you sweetie” from your smiling face.
Oh how my Granny loved you so much. You truly made her day everytime she saw you and she cared for you as if you were her own. Thank you for the thoughtful and kind words, they mean so much during a hard time like this. ❤️
She was a special person in my life. I enjoyed being with her. We went though a lot together. I loved spending nights with her and discussing families. I am missing her and will miss her. She tried to keep on the straight and narrow.
Sylvia always found ways to have and create fun.
I grew up close to my two cousins, Sylvia and her sister Sharon. We spent much time together and have kept in touch and visited over the years.
We last gathered for her 85th birthday celebration this past spring. Here is a photo of her guiding us around the Caseyville annual school picnic in the early 1950s.
Sylvia Ann was my dear cousin, her daddy and my mother were brother sister. So she was my “first “ first cousin 💕💕.
Over the years we have shared good times and sad times , always with praise to Jesus 🙏🙏. She is heavenly angel now and rejoicing in the Lord 🙏. Also we were P.E.O. sisters , me in chapter ME🌼. Prayers of comfort to all her dear ones , she was so proud of her family and loved abundantly 💕💕. Our conversations always included happenings of family 💕💕. I will miss her love, smiles, caring heart and notes of love💕💕.
My Wife and I loved her as a neighbor. She was so sweet and she would tell my wife she looks forward to looking out her window in the morning and seeing her beautiful flowers in our landscaping. She was a joy and will be missed.
Our street and our tiny slice of the world, will never be the same without your Mom here. She had an infectious smile and a thoughtful, genuine, and caring soul. I will greatly miss our conversations! I had an uncanny way of always seeming to call her when she was heading to go to or had just laid down to take a nap! 🥲 Also, I will never be able to work on my flowers without thinking of your mom. I guarantee that, as I plant new flowers every year going forward, I’ll be hearing her voice in my head admiring them! 🌷🌷
Sylvia, thank you for agreeing to be my “surrogate mom” after I lost my own momma suddenly at 84 early this spring. I think God really understood that I just needed just a little more mom kindness to help heal my heart a bit.♥️ To Sylvia’s girls,, that was a testament to the type of person your mom really was. I owe a great deal of thanks to your mom and to you all for sharing her with my husband and I for just a brief while. I will treasure that time!
To Lori, Sherri, & Kelly…to her grandchildren and sweet great-grandbaby…an opportunity never went by without her taking the time to talk to us about you and show us pictures of you all both proudly and lovingly! I will be praying that God provides comfort to you all, knowing that God has welcomed her spiritual body back home to be with him once again.
If we can be there for you, in any way at all, please please let us know!
Neighbors always,
Jamie & Arnie Kreke
Sylvia will be missed at the Friday night fish fry gatherings. We will cherish the memories.