Sylvia Briscoe

Sylvia Dixye Davidson Briscoe, a longtime Biloxian, passed away at Memorial Hospital Gulfport on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. She was born on December 13, 1941, in West, MS. Later, her family moved to Ackerman, then to Jackson.

Mrs. Briscoe is preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Elizabeth Davidson; and a host of aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Rob Briscoe; daughter, Elizabeth; as well as cousins, Mike and Denise Upton, Susan Hicks, and Lara and Melvin Spell.

While a student at Murrah High School in Jackson, Sylvia was a member of the band and head majorette. After high school, she enrolled in MSCW, then an all-woman’s college. After two years, Sylvia transferred to the University of Mississippi and was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority. Her studies prepared her for her teaching career, which took her to Vicksburg, Dallas, and Biloxi. It was in Biloxi where she met and married Rob.

A vibrant lady throughout her life, she was involved in social, civic, church, and volunteer activities on the coast. Sylvia belonged to the Dogwood Garden Club where her talent in floral design flourished. Often a blue ribbon or tricolor winner, she created beautiful flower arrangements over the years in competition and for her friends’ homes. She received the designation of life member of Dogwood Garden Club. She and Rob enjoyed the Mardi Gras season. She belonged to Les Masquees and the Gulf Coast Carnival Association, serving as queen of Les Masquees and in more than a few of its courts. She was the queen of Mithras. In Biloxi-Ocean Springs Junior Auxiliary, she served in several offices and loved volunteer work with children.

Travel was a pleasant part of the Briscoes’ life. Spending time at Uncle Bill’s cabin, high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and entertaining the new friends that she had met there was an outing that she always looked forward to. She and Rob enjoyed many journeys abroad, rewards from the many sales contests that Rob and the Dees Chevy-Olds staff had won.

Tennis was a sport that she enjoyed, mastering the skills while enjoying the camaraderie of friends. In addition, as an avid bridge player, Sylvia earned the title of Life Master. Her monthly bridge club of friends was something that she looked forward to. In addition, she found time to teach senior citizens to play bridge at the Prime of Life Senior Center in Wool Market.

Of all things that Sylvia loved, her Parkway Baptist Church was dear to her heart. She drew such peace and comfort from her faith. Ever the epitome of a charming Southern lady, Sylvia Briscoe will be missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial to Parkway Baptist Church, 17284 Highway 67, Biloxi, MS 39532.

Services will be held at Parkway Baptist Church on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 1:00pm. Friends are invited to visit one hour prior. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Sylvia Dixye Davidson Briscoe.