Sylvia Diane Roberts

Sylvia Diane Roberts, 86, of Reston, Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026, surrounded by family.

Sylvia was born in Wichita, Kansas, on December 15, 1939, to Wilmer Glenn Brice and Leona Ruth Brice (née Zane). She spent much of her childhood in Baxter Springs with her mother and stepfather, Dr. Robert R. Brookshire, enjoying many happy hours at the public library and Saturday matinees at the movie theater.

After high school - where she acted in school plays, endured a physics teacher who believed women should not be taking his class, and skipped gym class whenever possible - she attended the University of Kansas earning a bachelor's degree in psychology.

Post-college, Sylvia moved to Kansas City, where she met a man she would marry and have two sons with. She soon discovered, however, that her husband was not the man he had pretended to be, and the marriage ended in divorce.

Determined to build a better future for herself and her boys, she pursued higher education despite being advised by a graduate school advisor at Washington University in St. Louis to stay home and raise her children instead of entering the master's program. Sylvia ignored the advice, enrolled, and ultimately earned her Master's Degree in Social Work.

Within a few years, Sylvia rose to become Chief of Social Services for Johnson County, Kansas, dedicating her professional life to helping others and advocating for those in need. While attending Washington University, she also met the man who would become her beloved husband, Milton W. Roberts. They married in 1973 and shared many happy years together until his passing in 2007. Through their marriage, Sylvia became a devoted stepmother to Milt's daughter, Danielle, while Milt became a loving father figure to her two sons.

After completing their degrees, Sylvia and Milt moved the family from St. Louis to Kansas City. After their youngest child left for college, they moved to Washington, D.C., where they both worked for a private company that operated group homes for people with developmental disabilities.

In retirement, Milt and Sylvia moved back to Kansas City, where Milt passed away. Sylvia then spent her time taking art classes, caring for her mother, and enjoying the company of her sister Sharon and niece Serena. She also volunteered with the Assistance League of Kansas City.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sylvia enjoyed doll collecting, gardening, spoiling her cats, bowling, researching genealogy, and she loved watching competitive ice skating, theater, ballet, movies and football.

Sylvia is survived by her children, Danielle Smith (David), Michael Strelow (Ruthy Tyre), and Todd Strelow (Ed Crump); her grandchildren, Milton, Marcus, and Diana; her great-grandchildren; her siblings, Betty-Anne Tague (Gary), Mary Lou McDonald (Mark), Robert R. Brookshire II (Marijo), and Sharon Carmichael; as well as extended family and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Sylvia will be remembered for her intelligence, resilience, humor, and adventurous spirit. She was always ready for a new experience and brought warmth and laughter wherever she went, especially through her unforgettable laugh. She believed deeply in caring for people who were disadvantaged, rejected prejudice and bigotry in all forms, and raised her children to think independently and compassionately.

Sylvia will be laid to rest at Seneca Cemetery on June 1, at 2 p.m. A graveside memorial service will precede the burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association .