Sylvia Grace McBride

Sylvia was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, John Malcolm McBride, and is survived by her five children, Stephanie Kim Peters (David) of Arlington, VA; Louis Eugene McBride (Michelle) of Fredericksburg, VA; Mark Lee McBride (Valerie) of Powhatan, VA; Michelle McBride Jennings (Tom) of New York, NY and John Michael McBride (Debbie) of Richmond, VA; 15 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Sylvia Gibson was born in 1935 in Baton Rouge, LA to Wilmer and Grace Gibson. She graduated from Istrouma High School in 1953, then attended Louisiana Christian College for one year. Sylvia married John McBride, the love of her life, in 1955. Sylvia was by her husband’s side as John served for three years in the Air Force in Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. She gave birth to her two oldest children while in Texas and Florida. Sylvia and John then moved to Richmond where John embarked on a 37-year career with Dupont. Their last three children were born in Richmond, making the McBrides, a family of seven.

Sylvia was a dedicated, and busy, mother and homemaker for her whole married life. She was dedicated to her family and devoted to her husband. Sylvia was gifted musically singing in her church choir for over 50 years and became part of a women’s trio that performed at many events in front of appreciative audiences. She was very involved with her church, teaching Sunday school and serving on various church committees over the years. Sylvia would work the election polls each year and spend her small paycheck on a Christmas or birthday present for John. An avid tennis player, she often played doubles with John and their friends. Sylvia loved spending time with her large family as well as her many friends. Above all, and the most important thing in her life, was her love for Jesus. She was bold in her faith and shared the gospel with family, friends and many strangers over the years.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Bon Air Baptist Church, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary at Financial Development, P.O. BOX 1889, Wake Forest, NC 27588 or https://apply.sebts.edu/portal/give (Southeastern Fund). To God be the glory!!