Sylma Elaine Smith

On August 14, 2025, Heaven welcomed home a faithful servant of the Lord, Sylma Elaine Smith of Stephenville, Texas, at the age of 71. Born on September 25, 1953, in Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to parents Adam and Elsie Bergesen, she lived her life as a testament of love, faith, and devotion.

She shared nearly 54 beautiful years with her beloved husband and soulmate, Alden Smith, in a love story that stood as a shining example of commitment and grace. Together, they built a family bound tightly by faith and love, which became the center of her world.

Sylma’s heart belonged first to God and then to her family. She lived for her church, where she found joy in worship, fellowship, and service. She surrounded herself with symbols of her faith—crosses and praying hands that reminded her of God’s everlasting love—and owls, which she cherished for their quiet wisdom.

To know Sylma was to know unconditional love. Her devotion to her family was endless, her hugs unmeasured, her prayers unwavering. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and boundless love that will live on in the lives of all who knew her.

Sylma is preceded in death by her parents as well as her beloved daughter Ronwyn.

She is survived by her husband Alden Smith, her sisters Vanessa Morgan of South Africa and Moira Bergesen of Finland as well as her brother Gary Bergesen of South Africa. She is also survived by her daughter and son-in-law Elaine and Billy Chew of Stephenville, son and daughter-in-law Simon and Soncee Smith of Stephenville, and her special granddaughter Emileigh Smith of Early.

Though her absence leaves a deep ache, her spirit remains a guiding light and her memory a blessing.

A celebration of her life will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Stephenville, Texas, on Saturday, September 6 at 11:00 a.m., where her church family and loved ones will gather to honor her life and rejoice in her eternal homecoming.

"Her love had no end, and now her joy is eternal."