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The famous General Trexler Estate at 1227 Hamilton Street is among the best known residences in Allentown. Filled with ornate woodwork, leaded stained glass windows, comtemporary lighting and a grand entranceway, coming to the Trexler Home is a unique experience.

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Sylvia M. Jones
03/20/2023

On March 20, 2023, Sylvia Marie Jones went home to be with the Lord. Sylvia (Skippy) was born to the late Gladys and Harry Portlock on July 21st, 1936 in Allentown PA. She was the third born of five children and attended Kutztown and Cheney teacher’s college where she studied art. Skippy often decorated and painted the store fronts windows of department stores such as Hess and Leh’s in downtown Allentown during the Christmas holidays.

On November 1, 1958, Sylvia was married to Barnabas Jones. Through this union, they were blessed with two children, Harry and Barnabas (Barney) David. Sylvia was a homemaker and helped with the Portlock Family Maintenance Business started by her father in the late 1950's and still operating today. She developed lifelong friendships with the employees and looked forward to hearing stories of their children and their accomplishments.

Skippy loved God and family. She lived a quiet life and spent much time in her home reading scripture and listening to bible audio tapes and gospel hymns. She took great pleasure in spending quality time with her husband and sons as well as her grandchildren, nieces, nephews and grand nieces and grand nephews. Oftentimes, she would have weekly bible study with her grandchildren.

Skippy enjoyed decorating her home of 60 years. She collected and displayed, throughout her quaint farmhouse home, pewter and wooden artifacts and other eclectic items found while shopping the local thrift stores in the Allentown/Bethlehem area. Her shopping excursions would often culminate in a visit to the Sunrise Diner, her go-to-spot for breakfast lunch and dinner.

Sylvia and Barnabas took immense pride in designing the landscaping and hardscaping in their yard. Her family would often comment that their yard was 'Better Homes and Garden' worthy. Their outdoor space was an extension of their home.

Sylvia loved creating artwork, sewing and gift giving. Whenever family and friends came to visit, she always had a gift, beautifully packaged, accompanied by a card quoting Scripture. She always had the perfect gift and scripture.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her father, Harry, mother, Gladys, brother, David, sister, Yolanda and brother, James. She is survived by her husband of 64 years,Barnabas; Her sons Harry (Cherri) of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Barney(Christine) of Hagerstown, Maryland; her sister Mary E Hawkins (Rudolph) of Princeton, New Jersey; Her sister-in-law, Linda Portlock of West Chester, Pennsylvania; Ann Portlock of Easton Pennsylvania; Her grandchildren: Harry P Jones jr. of Brooklyn, New York, Matthew Jones of Los Angeles, California, Olivia Montgomery of Denver Colorado, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A private graveside service will be held for family members only. Contributions can be made to your favorite charity.