Sylvia Ann Goss

Sylvia Harpster Goss passed away peacefully on Monday, March 10, 2025, in Katy, Texas, surrounded by family at the age of 85 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s dementia. 

Sylvia was born January 29, 1940, in Gorman, Texas to Horace Foster and Annie Mae Locke Foster. Sylvia married Ron Harpster in 1958, and until his passing in 1983, they raised their children Melissa, Michelle, and Raymond while pastoring and serving the churches around the state of Texas. Later, Sylvia married Gene Goss in 1988 and they blended their families, adding Shannan, Leigh Rae, Kim, and James. Sylvia is survived by her children, Melissa Roye, Michelle Mitchell and her husband, Brian, Raymond Harpster, Shannan Goss and his wife, Kellie, Leigh Rae Smith, Kim Weatherly, and James Carhart and his wife, Helen; twelve grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; a sister, Debbie Corzine and husband Kenneth; and a host of extended family. 

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents Horace and Annie Mae Foster. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Ron Harpster of Pampa, and her second husband, Gene Goss of Panhandle. 

Sylvia was a dynamic influence on all who knew her, even from a young age. She learned to play the piano at the age of 5 on the kitchen table with nothing more than a paper keyboard chart and determination. She excelled in academics and graduated valedictorian of her class. Her love of learning and striving for excellence she passed on to her children and grandchildren. While married to Ron, they served numerous churches around the state and pastored their congregations with much love and care. Many also remember Sylvia’s 20+ years working at Citizen’s Bank & Trust in Pampa. 

After marrying Gene, they worked together for decades at Gene Goss Engine & Machine in White Deer. She enjoyed playing the piano for the church and community. Sylvia enjoyed spending time with her family, especially baking and cooking for them. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Funeral services will be held at 3 pm Thursday, March 13, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Panhandle. Burial will follow in Panhandle Cemetery under the direction of Minton Chatwell Funeral Directors of Panhandle. The family will receive friends at the church an hour before the service.