Sylvia Bass Ferguson
February 6, 1957 –
Sylvia “Teetsie” Bass Ferguson, 66, of Greenville, SC, shed her earthly pain surrounded by her loving husband and close family on Monday, May 15, 2023, after a valiant battle with cancer. She faced her illness with the same grace and resilience she had lived in her life.
Sylvia was born on Feb. 6, 1957, to Eddie “E.W.” and Shirley Bass in Tampa, FL, and lived her gregarious young life in Ruskin alongside her siblings, cousins, and neighborhood friends, most of whom would become dear, lifelong friendships. She graduated from Florida Technical College in 2007, and then relocated to Greenville, SC, with her husband where she went on to find success at Walmart. Sylvia’s friendly nature and her passion for helping others made her well-loved by her colleagues who have expressed their fond memories of her.
Sylvia’s unforgettable voice was often heard in perfect harmony with her sisters, Judy and Sandy. She also sang as a member of the Gospel Echoes, a street ministry group, whose members included her father, E.W.; her brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Wendy; and her sister, Judy.
Sylvia was a devoted wife to David whom she married on Christmas Day, 10 years ago. She was also a loving mother to six sons, and a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. Affectionately known as “Teetsie” or Grammy, Sylvia loved her family dearly and described them as the most precious thing in the world to her.
Teetsie had the remarkable gift of connecting with people. She would take the time to talk to and encourage anyone who came to her because she genuinely cared. Her love impacted the lives of everyone she encountered.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her sister. Judith “Judy” Bass Vasquez; step-granddaughter, Brianna Rose Savage; and her parents, E.W. and Shirley Bass.
Sylvia is survived and deeply missed by her husband, David Ferguson Sr.; children, David “Michael” (Melissa “Missy”) Carter, Jeffory (Laura) Cauley, Raymond “Troy” Cauley, Jonathon Cauley, Cody (Cheyenne) Ferguson and David “DJ” Ferguson Jr.; step-children, Michael (fiancé Cheryl) Ferguson, and Heather (Ed) Savage; grandchildren, Anthony (Briana) Carter, Kristi (Joseph “Joey”) Kocan, Mathew Cauley, Adam Cauley, Chloe Newman, Abigail Cauley and Skylar Ferguson; step-grandchildren, Connor Niederbuhl, Elijah Savage, Evan Savage, Blake Ferguson and Emily Ferguson; great-grandson, Joseph “Joey” Casey Kocan; brothers, Henry “Steve” (Wendy) Bass, and Jacob “Jay” Bass; sister, Sandra Bass, as well as beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends, colleagues and acquaintances.
Family and friends are welcome to join us for a memorial service to celebrate the life of Sylvia. We will gather on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Sun City Christian Center, 17566 HWY 301 South, Wimauma, FL 33598, to remember her together. Please bring your fondest memories of Sylvia to share with family and friends. Visitation will be at 10 a.m., followed by service at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served after the service and then graveside service at Ruskin Memorial Park.
Sylvia was born on Feb. 6, 1957, to Eddie “E.W.” and Shirley Bass in Tampa, FL, and lived her gregarious young life in Ruskin alongside her siblings, cousins, and neighborhood friends, most of whom would become dear, lifelong friendships. She graduated from Florida Technical College in 2007, and then relocated to Greenville, SC, with her husband where she went on to find success at Walmart. Sylvia’s friendly nature and her passion for helping others made her well-loved by her colleagues who have expressed their fond memories of her.
Sylvia’s unforgettable voice was often heard in perfect harmony with her sisters, Judy and Sandy. She also sang as a member of the Gospel Echoes, a street ministry group, whose members included her father, E.W.; her brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Wendy; and her sister, Judy.
Sylvia was a devoted wife to David whom she married on Christmas Day, 10 years ago. She was also a loving mother to six sons, and a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. Affectionately known as “Teetsie” or Grammy, Sylvia loved her family dearly and described them as the most precious thing in the world to her.
Teetsie had the remarkable gift of connecting with people. She would take the time to talk to and encourage anyone who came to her because she genuinely cared. Her love impacted the lives of everyone she encountered.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her sister. Judith “Judy” Bass Vasquez; step-granddaughter, Brianna Rose Savage; and her parents, E.W. and Shirley Bass.
Sylvia is survived and deeply missed by her husband, David Ferguson Sr.; children, David “Michael” (Melissa “Missy”) Carter, Jeffory (Laura) Cauley, Raymond “Troy” Cauley, Jonathon Cauley, Cody (Cheyenne) Ferguson and David “DJ” Ferguson Jr.; step-children, Michael (fiancé Cheryl) Ferguson, and Heather (Ed) Savage; grandchildren, Anthony (Briana) Carter, Kristi (Joseph “Joey”) Kocan, Mathew Cauley, Adam Cauley, Chloe Newman, Abigail Cauley and Skylar Ferguson; step-grandchildren, Connor Niederbuhl, Elijah Savage, Evan Savage, Blake Ferguson and Emily Ferguson; great-grandson, Joseph “Joey” Casey Kocan; brothers, Henry “Steve” (Wendy) Bass, and Jacob “Jay” Bass; sister, Sandra Bass, as well as beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends, colleagues and acquaintances.
Family and friends are welcome to join us for a memorial service to celebrate the life of Sylvia. We will gather on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Sun City Christian Center, 17566 HWY 301 South, Wimauma, FL 33598, to remember her together. Please bring your fondest memories of Sylvia to share with family and friends. Visitation will be at 10 a.m., followed by service at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served after the service and then graveside service at Ruskin Memorial Park.