Sylvia Pesak McLelland Teykl

Sylvia Pesak McLelland Teykl On November 7, 2023, Sylvia Pesak McLelland Teykl’s spirit departed Earth, hopefully soaring Heavenward to join her husband, Edwin; (better known as “Bubba”) and many other loved ones. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Needville, Texas on November 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Sylvia was preceeded in death by her parents, Innocenc and Albina Pesak, brothers Joseph, Charlie, Martin and sisters; Evelyn and Ellen; and her husband of 44 years, Edwin. She is survived by her son, Mark McLelland, grandson, Karson Wayne McLelland; husband Charles Teykl; “adopted” son, Frank Mikulastik and numerous nieces and nephews, and some special friends. Daughter of Innocenc and Albina Pesak, Sylvia was born in Guy, Texas on March 1,1933, to a family which included her two brothers and two sisters. After Sylvia’s birth, along came a baby brother. The family was engaged in farming in the Needville area. Sylvia was a graduate of Needville High School, Wharton County Junior College, Mary Hardin Baylor University, and the University of Houston. She had a very commendable record during her public school years, and she followed the same path in the undergraduate and graduate school excelling in academics, Speech, Drama, English Language Arts, and Physical Education. She graduated with honors, along with being named “Outstanding Athlete”, being listed in “Who’s Who in American Colleges; proclaimed a Texas State Champion Debator and Texas’s Best Actress, representing her college in Debate and Oratory at Nationals, trying for “Best Debate Speaker” in the Southeastern Region of the United States. She graduated with an A.A., B.A. and a M.A. and entered the public teaching field in the area of Speech, Drama, English Language Arts, and Physical Education in the Needville, Houston , and Sweeny School Districts, including also some University of Houston teaching and the Patricia Stevens Modeling School. For 44 wonderful years, Sylvia was married to Edwin “Bubba” McLelland . They have an equally wonderful son Mark. Deeply instilled in Sylvia as a child were the Christian Roots planted by Rev. J.R. Vilt and St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church. She was baptized, confirmed, and married there. As a result of this influence, Syliva had been active in church related activities all her life. She served as Westminster Fellowship President, teaching Sunday School and Daily Vacation Bible School, Directing plays, serving on numersous committees; and serving as a deacon. She was a member of Brazoria County Retired Teachers Associatoin; the Baylor LaRoe Society and SPJST Lodge 139. Additionally, Sylvia was an avid supporter of the Angleton Marching and Jazz bands and Drug Free America. Too, she worked with the scouts, community soccer and Military Moms. She was a caring, loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, relative, and steadfast friend and neighbor who took pride in all she did and extended herself fully to those who needed her. It was said of her that she had “a servant’s heart” and “ allowed herself to be to available.” Ranking high on her list of priorities were her thorough enjoyment of being a wife and mother and maintaining a home; enteraining; flower and vegetable gardening and canning. Sylvia participated in athletics, speech, and drama activities, writing, attending plays, traveling, reading, viewing classic movies, and dancing. Not only was Sylvia dedicated to her family, but also to her teaching career. Her students excelled in Speech, Debate, Drama, and Writing; winning numerous accolades, one being on the national level when their research booklet written as a class project on topics supporting the for year-round education was selected by the National Association for Year-Round Education to be published for use nation wide. Throughout her teaching career, scores of students took time out to return to her or call her and make her aware of their educational activities and ask for her actual help or advice and thank her for what she had done for them. Parents were quick to express their compliments and appreciation too, along with staff, faculty members, and administrators. It was a joy for her, also when she learned that through her teachings she had influenced someone in deciding on a career, especially one closely related to her field of interest. The biggest and best reward for this “Teacher fo the Year” was to see her former students take their place in society as helpful and competent citizens experiencing success and to know that she had helped in some small way in this developmental process. In lieu of flowers, honor her memory by submitting a Memorial Gift to St.Paul’s Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 389, Needville,Texas or make a donation to the charity of your choice.

Tributes

Sylvia Pesak McLelland Teykl

March 1, 1933 - November 7, 2023