Sylvia Dyer Balentine, a devoted environmental steward and animal advocate, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026 at her home in Edna, Texas. She was bom on November 22,1945, in Fort Worth, Texas.

Sylvia earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

Her commitment to protecting natural resources led to a career with the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority, where she served as Director of Environmental Services until her retirement. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sylvia was an integral part of the Hip Pocket Theatre of Fort Worth, playing bass guitar in the house band in several Fort Worth venues, and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1983.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Venita Dyer, and her sister, Nedra Dyer.

Sylvia will be remembered for her intelligence, humor and contagious laugh; and deeply missed by her family, friends, former colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) or your local animal rescue.