AMERICUS — Mrs. Sylvia C. Ramirez, age 77, of Americus, passed away surrounded by her family early Friday morning Oct. 14, 2016, at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 17, 2016, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Americus. Father Francis Gillespie officiated. Interment followed at Oak Grove Cemetery. A visitation was held from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, at Aldridge Funeral Services. A Rosary followed visitation in the chapel of Aldridge Funeral Services, beginning at 6 p.m. Friends may visit the family at the residence of Reyna Ramirez, 578 Lamar Road, Americus at other times. The following grandchildren served as active pallbearers: Raymond Martinez, Eric Martinez, Michael Ramirez, Jose Ramirez, Jaime Vasquez, and Shannon Chapa.

Sylvia C. Ramirez was born Sept. 27, 1939, in Ramirez, Texas. She is the daughter of the late Ildefonso Chapa Sr. and the late Josefa B. Chapa. She was a homemaker and long-time matriarch of her beloved Hispanic community here in Sumter County. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Americus.

Mrs. Ramirez was preceded in death by three brothers, Olivero Chapa, Ildefonso Chapa Jr., and Arnoldo Chapa. She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Maria Vargas and Hermenia Quintanilla. One grandson, Billy Killian, and one great-grandson, Noah Young, also preceded her in death.

Survivors include four daughters: Diana Jones of Americus, Sara Martinez (Raymond) of Cobb, Ga., Reyna Ramirez of Americus, and Margarita Ramirez of Albany. She is also survived by three sons: Humberto Moralez of Cordele, Ga., Raul Chapa (Frances) of Cordele, Ga., and Jose Ramirez (Tracey) of Cordele, Ga. She is also survived by 29 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to Phoebe Sumter Hospice, 126 E. Furlow St., Americus GA 31709. To sign the online guest book and express your condolences to the family go to www.aldridgefuneralservices.com.