Sylvelin "Tolly" Thwing

Sylvelin “Tolly” Thwing, 88, of Morganton, NC finished her earthly pilgrimage on October 1, 2022.  She was preceded in death by her husband Henry Warren Thwing, on May 9, 2005.

Born April 6, 1934 in Valdosta, GA, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Henry Madison "Tolly" Tolleson and Mary Beth Mortimer Tolleson Beem.

Tolly and her husband, H Warren Thwing, married in 1958 and are survived by their two sons, Ken (Linda) and Philip (LeAnne); grandchildren Lacey Thwing, Leah Johnson (Matt), and Jake Thwing (Morgan); and one great-grandson Everett. 

Tolly looked to her Lord Jesus Christ through her last breath and dedicated much of her life to His service.  In 1974, Tolly met Sue Wiatt and began a long-lasting friendship and partnership in Christian ministry. Tolly served as driver, factotum, companion, and sounding board for Sue as she visited Bible studies in various towns in Florida, Georgia, and Eastern Alabama on what became a monthly circuit. This grew into There Is More Ministries.  Prior to moving to Morganton, she served the Lord at Living Waters "There is More" Ministries in Balsam Grove, NC.  Tolly and her husband, Warren, moved to Living Waters in 1983 in order to serve in ministry full time.  Living Waters is a place alive with the reassuring sounds of waterfalls on every acre and filled with the Spirit of God and His people.  Tolly’s love for games and the youth motivated her to establish the annual youth retreats at Living Waters where games, music, fun, and good teaching were used by the Holy Spirit to bring many young people into lifelong commitments to Jesus Christ.  The ministry still thrives today, part of the lasting legacy of Tolly and Warren and their work in the Kingdom.

In 2005, Tolly and Warren moved from Living Waters to Morganton, NC to be nearer to their son, Ken, and his family.  Sadly, Warren passed away within months of this move.  In the years that followed, Tolly attended Faith Presbyterian Church faithfully as long as her health allowed.  She had lived with Ken and Linda for the past several years.

Voted “Most Athletic” at Columbia High School, Tolly was a high-spirited and true professional when it came to designing and running games.  Many people remember Tolly for her sense of humor and creativity when it came to having a fun event.  She got much joy out of making people smile, and kept her sense of humor right up until the end.  Her family can recount many pranks and laughable memories well after Tolly’s athletic days were behind her.

A couple of fun highlights of Tolly’s life include her time as a trapeze artist with the circus in DeLeon Springs FL as a student and her time as an archery coach at Stetson University in DeLand, FL.  Tolly attended Stetson as a student and later taught there in the physical education department.  Tolly served as the Stetson Archery Team coach and once hosted the National College Archery Competition.  There is even a small article in Sports Illustrated that mentions Tolly’s excellent work as an archery coach, and celebrates how fitting her last name (pronounced ‘Twing’) is for a person in her position. Two of her grandchildren, Lacey and Jake, took up archery.

Tolly was preceded in death by her cousin Joie Delafield, who was as close as a sister and her lifelong best friend. Joie shared in Tolly’s enthusiasm for life and adventure.  Also preceding her in death was her sister Betty Tolleson Lantz and her cousin Mary Turner Hood.

Tolly will be remembered by all who knew her for her zeal for adventure and her love of her Creator and Father.  Her work furthering the Kingdom of God has blessed many and will continue to bless generations to come.  "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Memorial gifts may be given to Living Waters, 7935 Parkway Rd, Balsam Grove, NC 28708

Her memorial service will be held at Faith Presbyterian Church, 605 Bost Rd, Morganton, NC 28655 on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 1:00pm.