Sylvia Sanford McDavid, 82, died on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland.  Funeral services will be held at 1:30 on Thursday, March 9, 2017, at Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland, with visitation beginning at noon.  Services will be followed by internment at Jessamine Cemetery in Ridgeland.

Mrs. McDavid was born in Philadelphia, Mississippi, the daughter of W. H. and Bernice Sanford, who predeceased her in death, as did her sister, Neeley Sanford.  She graduated from Philadelphia High School within three years and from Millsaps College within three years, where she a was a member of the debate team and Kappa Delta sorority. She graduated from the Ole Miss school of law within two years.  During the first year she was one of only three female law students.  During the second year she was the only female student.

Soon after graduation from law school in 1956, she married law school classmate, John Land McDavid. They moved to New Orleans where John was employed.  When their first child arrived, Mrs. McDavid became a full-time wife, mother and homemaker.

Sylvia and her family moved to Jackson in 1959 where they have lived until the present time. She and John enjoyed traveling. Over the years they traveled to all 50 U.S. States, to all ten Canadian provinces, 32 European countries and additional countries in Central American, South America and Africa.

Sylvia especially enjoyed cruises.  In 1998 Sylvia and John began cruises with Holland America Cruise Line. Through 2017, they enjoyed 26 cruises with over 200 days at sea.  When she became 60 years old she began a water aerobics class which evolved into an informal luncheon club the group called the “Aqua Bubbles.” The wonderful friendships she made at water aerobics with the Aqua Bubbles meant a great deal to her.  Mrs. McDavid was a member of the First Baptist Church of Jackson.

Sylvia McDavid is survived by her husband of 61 years, John Land McDavid; children John Sanford McDavid (Mary Beth) of Madison; Steve McDavid (Rosie) of Oxford; and Holly Virden (Jimmy) of Salt Lake City, Utah; also six grandchildren, Patrick McDavid (Lauren), Jason McDavid (Dendy), Adams McDavid, Henry McDavid, Sara Hart Hersey (Kyle), and Hunter Virden; and four great-grandchildren, Manning, Riley Reed, Van and Hampton McDavid.

Memorial gifts may be made to First Baptist Church of Jackson or a charity of choice.