Sylvia Creeger Burtner

Sylvia Creeger Burtner, 92, went to her eternal home on Sunday, 23 November 2025 – which was, appropriately, Eternity Sunday (as celebrated in German churches).

Sylvia, born 3 August 1933 in Thurmont, MD, was that youngest daughter of John Morris and Olive Emma (Kelbaugh) Creeger. She attended schools in Thurmont and met the love of her life, Roger Burtner (1926-2023), when she was a high school sophomore. They were married 12 August 1950 - the beginning of their marriage of 73 years.

As Roger was finishing his studies at the University of Maryland, Sylvia graduated from Hyattsville High School in 1951. Sylvia supported Roger’s pastoral ministry in Pennsylvania and was his partner in overseas mission work in Nigeria (1962-1965, 1966-1969). In the years after Nigeria, Sylvia continued to support Roger’s ministries while she pursued her own education, graduating from HJC (now Hagerstown Community College) in 1975, receiving a bachelor’s degree from Hood College in 1978 (BS, Psychology), and then a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland in 1983. In 1988 she became a Certified Social Worker (LSMW). She worked for the State of Maryland as a social worker, starting in 1978, in the prison system and for the Washington County Health Department (1985-1996), as well as with Hospice, and in her own private practice.

Sylvia was a member at Salem United Methodist church and very much enjoyed quilting, including at the Benevola United Methodist Tuesday morning quilting group. Putting together jigsaw puzzles, alone and especially with company, gave her great pleasure all throughout her life. She was a very good cook and enjoyed hosting people for meals in their home.

Sylvia was the last living member of her parents’ family, predeceased by her parents and her siblings Charlotte Daly, Harold, Bonnie Pefinis, Grace “Suzie” Wood / Cook, Donald, and Sarah Custer, as well as her youngest son James “Jamie.” She is survived by her children Becky Hein (Klaus), Tim (Diane), John (Cindy), Margie Moats (Bob), Chris (Beth) and daughter-in-law Becki (wife of the late Jamie Burtner), 14 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life for Sylvia Burtner will be held on Sunday, 28 December 2025, at 2 pm, at Benevola United Methodist Church, 19925 Benevola Church Road, Boonsboro, MD 21713.

In place of flowers, donations may be made to Church World Service, https://cwsglobal.org/donate-3/ .

Arrangements are entrusted to J.L. Davis Funeral Home, Smithsburg, MD. Online condolences may be shared at www.jldavisfh.com.