October 30, 2025, 85, Goldsboro —
Sylvia Carol Stevens Shafer, 85, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. Sylvia was born in Goldsboro on January 29, 1940, to the late John Liston Stevens and Agnes Novella Wiggins Stevens. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Steven Harvey Shafer, Jr., her daughter, Sarah Shafer, and her sister, Gail Jones.
Sylvia dedicated many years of service to the United States State Department and also worked with three of the five branches of the United States Armed Forces, including Air Force, Army, and Navy.
As a Navy wife, Sylvia traveled the world alongside her husband, creating a loving and welcoming home for their family wherever they were stationed. She was proud of her service and community involvement, having been a member of both the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary and the Fleet Reserve Association Auxiliary.
With steadfast faith in her Savior, Sylvia was a devoted and lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she had worshiped since childhood. She loved serving in the Church’s Primary Program, joyfully teaching and nurturing children in their faith.
Sylvia was talented in many ways—she enjoyed crocheting and was especially gifted in cake decorating. Each cake she made was crafted with care and a meticulous eye for detail.
Above all, Sylvia cherished time spent with her family. She enjoyed visiting extended family wherever she traveled across the country. Her Sundays would be spent visiting aunts, uncles, and cousins in Grantham and the surrounding area. The Huffman family reunion was a cherished annual event. Whether gathered for holidays, special occasions, or everyday moments, she delighted in making lasting memories with her children and grandchildren, as well as extended family.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home in Goldsboro, followed by a service celebrating her life at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel. Interment will follow at Wayne Memorial Park.
Sylvia is survived by her son, Steven H. Shafer III and wife, Heidi, of Winston-Salem; daughter, Selena Diann Miracle and husband, Chris, of Goldsboro; grandchildren, Matthew R. Shafer and wife, Meghan; Melody C. Shafer; Chance I. Miracle; Benjamin J. Shafer and wife, Courtney; Ceara K. Zamago-Miracle and husband, Jesus; Jenna M. Bailey and husband, Samuel; Emily C. Shafer; and Marissa N. Miracle; and great-grandchildren, Elliott I. Shafer, Clark A. Shafer, Caleb W. Shafer, and Lilian L. Shafer.
Flowers are welcome, or memorials may be made in her memory to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
