Silvia Augusta Duckens , the tenth of twelve children, born on August 11, 1953, to Deacon Sylvester Duckens, Sr. and Mrs. Willie Odessa Duckens, in Temple, Texas. Silvia accepted Jesus Christ in her early years of life, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Temple, Texas, under the pastoral leadership of the late Rev. C. S. Williamson.

Her grade school education was obtained in Temple, where she graduated from Temple High School in 1971. She attended college at Mary Hardin Baylor College in Belton, Texas, where she culminated her education in 1975, graduating as an honor student, with a 3.3 GPA, procuring a double major in Psychology and Sociology.

Her first job after graduating from college was most noteworthy, in that Silvia is honored and recognized in Who's Who in America as the first African American female engineer to drive a train for Santa Fe Railroad; one of the nation's largest railroads. Upon completion of training at Santa Fe's Simulator Engineering Training School in Topeka, Kansas, she drove a $500,000.00 diesel locomotive, which pulled 2,000 tons of chemicals, textiles, machinery and agricultural products. Silvia was also featured in Ebony Magazine, in March 1977, for this historical milestone of an accomplishment. Silvia's work history also includes employment as a fireman and a U. S. Postal Service employee, amongst other jobs.

But her most cherished job (as evidenced by her enormous love for children) was Director of Head Start in Dallas, Texas. She adored working with children; providing them with extra tender loving care as often as she could. Silvia's passion for children led her to become a temporary foster parent, at a certain period.

Silvia Duckens' zeal for life fueled her love of travel and exploration of new horizons. Thus, she became an active member of several churches throughout her lifetime. She was a member of: Munger Avenue Baptist Church in Dallas, TX.; Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church in Garland, TX.; Rock of Faith Baptist Church in Columbus, OH. and Heavenly Star Baptist Church in Houston, TX. As a fervent music lover; one who possessed an eloquent, melodic voice, she participated in church choirs, as well as was an organist for various churches, either on a full-time or part time basis. In all aspects of her Christian service, she was very devoted and dedicated to all her church endeavors.

Silvia is preceded in death by her parents; Deacon Sylvester Duckens, Sr. and Mrs. Willie O. Duckens. Several siblings also preceded her in passing; Johnny Ray Duckens, Mattie J. Duckens–Browne, Eddy Jewel Duckens, Mary Alice Duckens-Rodriguez, Dr. Sylvester Duckens, Jr., and Clayborn "Tiny" Duckens, as well as a dear sister-in-love, JoAnn Diggs Duckens.

Those left to cherish her memories are her remaining siblings: Joyce Marie Duckens, Rev. Dorceal Duckens, Elenor L. Duckens, Roy Duckens, and Rev. Bob H. Duckens; her sisters-in-love: Barbara Robertson Duckens and Essie Tolliver Duckens, as well as one brother-in-love: Victor Rodriguez. In addition, one paternal uncle, Albert Blair, mourns her earthly demise, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins, including numerous supplemental family members and a myriad of friends.

ATTENDEES ARE REQUESTED TO WEAR A MASK.

Family Request NO FLOWERS nor PLANTS be sent.