Sylvia Junkins

Sylvia Junkins, 87, died peacefully in her bedroom listening to jazz and surrounded by books and pictures of the people and pets she loved throughout her life. Born in Columbus Ohio to Herbert and Gabriella Mendenhall, Sylvia was a 1952 graduate of Linden Mckinley High School. She was a conscientious, well-liked student who enjoyed art, literature, music, and worked after school at WVKO radio station as a record librarian. The grandchild of florists, Sylvia was an accomplished gardener. Her home featured beautiful gardens that she designed and cultivated. She loved to share her knowledge of flowers and plants with friends and family. Sylvia was a gifted artist specializing in charcoal, pen and ink, and oil painting. Her artistic flair and creativity were reflected in the way she decorated her home. Art, sculpture, and collectibles covered the walls and she could take an old piece of furniture and transform it into a charming focal point using paint, fabric, and ingenuity. Sylvia was an avid reader all her life and over the years she amassed an extensive home library with a focus on history, design, true-crime mysteries, and the classics. She had many collections and enjoyed antiques, art, porcelains, and miniatures. Sylvia designed, built, and decorated a dollhouse in the early 60’s for her daughters. But it wasn’t a typical little girls’ dollhouse – her creation was a cool, mid-century modern ranch with textured wall coverings and furniture made from upholstered wooden blocks. Retired from The Ohio State University, Sylvia enjoyed Buckeye football and basketball. She loved road trips and made several extended excursions around the country with her second husband of 44 years, and best friend, Gary. They often traveled to auctions around Ohio, antique stores on the East coast, and estate sales in nearby neighborhoods in search of a unique trifle or treasure. The people who knew and loved Sylvia will miss interesting conversations and being able to talk to her about anything and everything. Sylvia is preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Gabriella Mendenhall, her brother Herbie Mendenhall and her husband, Gary Richard Junkins. Sylvia is survived by her children: Gayle (David Price) Morrison of Columbus, Ohio, John Morrison of Palm Springs, California, Lorraine Morrison of Phoenix, Arizona, Michelle (Cindy Henson) Morrison of Sacramento, California; grandchildren, Nicholas (Hillary Schall) Bushman of Los Angeles, California and Collin (Megan) Morelock of Columbus, Ohio; great-granchildren, Cooper, Clara, and Cole; cousins Myra Hayduk of Columbus Ohio, Carol (Larry) Gans of St. Louis, Missouri, Nikki Leonard of Wales; and cherished friend, Carol Lassel of Columbus, Ohio. A visitation will be held Monday, July 10, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Schoedinger Margarum Northeast Chapel, 1051 E. Johnstown Rd, Gahanna, Ohio 43230. Memorial contributions may be made to Colony Cats Adoption Center, Dublin, Ohio. The family sends special thanks to the wonderful nurses and gentle caregivers at Storypoint Senior Living, Gahanna, Ohio, The Laurels of Gahanna, and Promedica Hospice.