Jean Sydnor

Jean Sydnor of Fernandina Beach, FL passed away peacefully late Saturday evening, February 28, 2026, at the Community Hospice Warner Center in Fernandina. Jean was born on September 21, 1932 in Ilsley, Hopkins County, Kentucky, the first of two children, to the late Logan and Mary Richards.She was a graduate of both Madisonville High School (KY) and Western Kentucky University. Following college, she was an adored elementary school teacher. While at Western, she met the love of her life, Elliott "Buddy" Sydnor. They were married nearly 60 years. Since Buddy was a career military officer, they lived in many different states and countries over the years with countless moves. Jean was quite happy to put down roots in Fernandina after Bud's retirement in the early 1980s.Jean was very active in her church, most recently as a women's circle leader, often hosting the gatherings. She was also very involved with the Fernandina Beach Women's Golf Association in both the 18- and 9-hole groups. Jean loved the church, the beach, gardening, entertaining, and golfing. She was a natural leader, the ultimate hostess, and never met a stranger. Her proudest accomplishments were raising her three successful children and being loving "Grandma Jean" to her 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Along with her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Bud, and daughter, Sara Sydnor. She leaves behind her sister, Marilyn Durham of Madisonville, KY, son, Will Sydnor (Shelley) of Lake Mary, FL, son-in-law, Craig Cyphers (Sara) of Jacksonville, and daughter, Susie Levy (Kirk) of Fernandina Beach and her grandchildren Lee Sydnor, Jessica Leonard (Brandon), Jake Sydnor (Molly), Kristen Levy and Jenni Boyles (Seth).Her great- grandchildren are Cade, Emma, Cash, Evelyn, Annie and Clara.A memorial service will be held March 12th at 11:00 at Memorial United Methodist Church.Rather than flowers, contributions may be made to Community Hospice-Warner Center, Memorial United Methodist Church in Fernandina Beach, or the Wounded Warrior Project.