It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Sylvia Nesbit Henley, who entered eternal rest peacefully at the age of 85 on June 1, 2025. Sylvia was born on February 5, 1940, in El Dorado, Arkansas, to the late Sanford Nolan Nesbit and Ruth Church Nesbit.
She was a lifelong resident of El Dorado, where she touched the lives of many through her dedication to education, her love of the arts, and her service to the community.
Sylvia graduated from El Dorado High School and went on to earn a degree in Art Education from Ouachita Baptist University. She furthered her education with a master’s degree in Counseling from Louisiana Tech University. Sylvia’s career in education spanned 33 years and included roles as an art teacher and counselor in El Dorado, a high school counselor in Camden, and the Counseling Coordinator for the El Dorado Public Schools.
Sylvia was a founding member and past president of the Arkansas School Counselor Association and was a licensed practicing counselor. She was deeply passionate about the arts and served on the board of the South Arkansas Arts Center, where she helped nurture creativity in her community. Additionally, Sylvia was a board member of the South Arkansas Regional Health Center demonstrating her commitment to improving the lives of those around her.
A woman of deep and abiding faith, Sylvia devoted herself to spiritual service and community leadership, most notably previously serving as the President of The Order of the Daughters of the King for Arkansas (DOK), where she inspired others through her commitment and grace. The DOK held a special place in her heart.
Sylvia was preceded in death by the love of her life, husband, Edgar F. Henley, Jr., and her parents. She is survived by her son, Randy Atwell and wife Leah of Arkadelphia; her daughter, Jayne Atwell Snyder of Cabot; her grandchildren: Jake Atwell and wife Lane of El Dorado, Molly Atwell Tucker and husband Brent of Arkadelphia, Emily Snyder Reed and husband Derrick of Hazen, and Anna Snyder of Little Rock; as well as six great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy.
Sylvia is also survived by her brother-in-law, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Charles Henley and wife Melba of Tulsa, Oklahoma, along with many other extended family members and friends who will miss her deeply.
Visitation will be held at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in the parish hall at 10:00 on Wednesday, June 4th, followed by a Requiem Mass in the sanctuary at 11:00.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 512 Champagnolle, El Dorado, Arkansas 71730, or the South Arkansas Arts Center, 110 E. 5th, El Dorado, Arkansas 71730.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
