03/17/2026
Sylvia Louise Moffitt Wolff
Sylvia Louise Moffitt Wolff passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, at Okeechobee Health Care Facility, at the age of 91. Born in 1934 in Sanford, North Carolina, Sylvia lived a life defined by curiosity, service, and a deep commitment to education, travel, and community.
Affectionately known as “Mama Jo” by her grandchildren, Sylvia grew up in Lee County, North Carolina. As a young woman, she was active in basketball and swimming and spent many summers working as a lifeguard at the county pool, where she taught countless local children how to swim—an early sign of her lifelong calling as an educator.
Sylvia attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before earning her degree in Chemistry from Greensboro College. She began her teaching career in Reidsville, North Carolina, but after hearing of a unique opportunity in a remote Florida county offering the highest starting teacher salary in the state, she took a leap of faith and traveled to Okeechobee for an interview. Upon arriving by train, she was greeted by Tom Conely Sr., and she later recalled that many of the town’s roads were still unpaved at the time. Sylvia soon began teaching Chemistry, Physics, and occasionally Biology at the original Okeechobee High School.
Shortly after starting her teaching career, Sylvia married Jo Wolff, who was beginning a dairy operation. Determined to continue her education, she commuted two to three nights a week to Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton while working full time, earning a master’s degree in special education. She later completed a specialist degree and transitioned into guidance counseling, where she made a lasting impact on countless students.
Sylvia’s professional dedication eventually led her to Indian River Community College, where she served as a guidance counselor and later as Dean. In this role, she worked tirelessly to expand educational opportunities for Okeechobee residents, especially veterans, who were unable to travel outside the county. During her tenure at IRCC, she also served as President of the Community College Association of Florida.
It was during this period that Sylvia’s lifelong love of travel took on a new dimension. After attending a statewide meeting and visiting a boat show, she returned home with a sailboat—marking the beginning of many sailing adventures. This passion led her on extended voyages throughout Europe, including the Atlantic, North Sea, and Mediterranean.
Inspired by her travels, Sylvia temporarily shifted her career focus and joined Ranch Travel, where she organized and guided group tours around the world. She later became a partner in ANS Tour Company, continuing to coordinate educational and cultural travel experiences. Many former students fondly remember seeing Sylvia in group photographs from Paris, London, and Rome. Her adult travel groups journeyed even farther, visiting destinations such as China and Russia, and even experiencing an unforgettable earthquake while staying in a high rise in Tokyo.
After selling her share of the travel agency, Sylvia returned to her first love—education. She began substitute teaching at the local high school and eventually returned to full time teaching, continuing to shape young lives well into the later years of her career.
Faith was also an important part of Sylvia’s life. She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Okeechobee, where she sang in the choir for many years and served as Choir Director. Later in life, she was confirmed into the Episcopal Church and served on the Vestry for several years at the Church of Our Saviour.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Conoley Moffitt and Alice Louise Pearce, and by her sister, Cornelia Moffitt Ferrell.
She is survived by her husband, J.O. Wolff; her children, Bonnie Wolff Pelaez (Ralph) and Jess Wolff; her grandchildren, Justin Wolff (Lori) of Saint Robert, Missouri, Jess Wolff Jr. (LaRanda) of Denton, North Carolina, Emilie Darling (Daniel) of Fort Pierce, Florida, Jenna Wolff (Michael Moody), and Josianne Wolff of Okeechobee; and her great grandchildren, Everett Wolff and Madilyn Moody.
A memorial mass will be held at the Church of Our Saviour in Okeechobee on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., followed by a reception in the Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at StJude.org or to the Church of Our Saviour Altar Guild Fund.
The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the nurses and staff at Okeechobee Health Care Facility for their compassionate care, kindness, and dedication, which brought comfort and dignity to Sylvia in her final years.
Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com
All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.
