Charles Leslie Sivley was a much loved, admired and respected husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, choral director, educator and friend. In the words of a former student, now friend, he wrote, ''Charles squeezed every drop of talent, humor, leadership and goodwill he had into his 92 years. He made all those around him better people and helped them see the beauty, worth and humor in everything they did (and in themselves). He made the world a much better place and certainly helped me believe that I could do more than I thought I could do.''
Charles Sivley was born July 11, 1931 to Donald Sivley and Audie Mae Sivley Bailey in rural Honey Grove, Texas; he shed his earthly form and entered into heaven May 10, 2024 at the age of 92 years, 9 months and 29 days. He grew up in Lamar and Fannin Counties where he excelled in school and was named ''Most Intelligent'' his senior year in West Lamar HS. He met the love of his life, and later wife of 70 years, around the piano at church where they both shared a deep love of Christ, family and music. Charles married Patsy Ruth Crenshaw December 5, 1953 at Field City Baptist Church in Dallas during a leave in his military service in the Navy. While stationed in California their first daughter, Sharon, was born; then followed by daughter Denise. While in California, Charles attended Modesto Junior College to start his career in music, where he was told by a professor that he didn't have the talent or aptitude for a music career. Well, he proved that professor wrong, because before Charles was finished, he was a respected, admired and accomplished choral conductor known for his accomplishments on many levels, including a prestigious invitation to Oberlin Music Conservatory for Choral Conductor music workshop in Oberlin, Ohio. Charles received his Associates Degree while serving as the choir director at Calvary Baptist Church, Modesto California. Soon after he completed his college courses in California, he and his family moved back to Texas just in time for their third daughter Linda to be born. Charles finished his college education at ETSU, earning a Bachelors in Arts and going on to earn his Masters in Music Education and was short only a few college hours of achieving his Doctorate before his eyesight prevented him from completing that degree.After moving from California, to Dallas, then to Greenville where Charles was Choir Director at Park Street Baptist Church while attending ETSU to earn his Bachelors Degree in 1959 and then on to enroll again for his Masters.
In 1960 Charles received his Master of Music Education and accepted a teaching position with Waxahachie ISD where he also served as Music Director of Farley Street Baptist Church. While serving as the Music Teacher at Waxahachie High School, he also had several elementary schools. His musical instrument at the elementary schools, due to the lack of a piano, was his accordion, those students remember him to this day as the Music Teacher with the accordion.
After his tenure in Waxahachie, the Sivley's came back to Greenville in 1961 for good, where Charles would make his mark on his new hometown. During his 63 years here in Greenville his ministry and servanthood has a long list. He started out his choral director career at the GISD as choral director at the High School and Junior High as well as Interim Choir Director at First Baptist Church.
While teaching 14 years at the Greenville High School, he directs the first musical, ''Oklahoma.'' Other musicals presented were: ''South Pacific,'' ''Bye, Bye Birdie,'' ''Music Man,'' ''Bells are Ringing,'' ''Fiddler on the Roof,'' and ''Sound of Music'' with repeats of ''Oklahoma''. In addition to the musicals, trips to Buccaneer Music Festival in Corpus Christi were always a highlight.
During his tenure, the Acapella Choir earned many Superior Ratings. Many of his students won honors at UIL competition and State solo and Ensemble contest. The quality of the students who participated in the high school choir program during these years was outstanding.
During his time as choral director, Charles had the opportunity to work with some great choir directors during Summer Choir camps. They include: Dr. Euell Porter, Ron Shirey, Bev Hensen, James Richards, Charles Hirt, Lloyd Pfaustch, Paul Christiansen, Lara Haggard, Lloyd Sunderman, and others. He received a Ford Foundation Grant to study at Oberlin Music Conservatory, Oberlin, Ohio, where he was honored with work with Dr. Robert Fountain.
After receiving his administrator's certificate, he is assigned as principal of Carver, then Travis Elementary schools, then Greenville Jr. High, and his final position as principal of the newly created Greenville Intermediate School, where he introduced Team Teaching. He was extremely proud of implementing this new approach of teaching for GISD.
In 1962 Charles is hired as Music Director of Wesley UMC, where Charles served until his retirement in 1998; and where he remained a member until his death.
In addition to his teaching, Charles was also active in the community and his church.
In 1995 Mr. Sivley and members of Wesley worked together to present its first Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival. It involved almost 200 people in the production and continued for several years after his retirement. He served on the board of Community Concerts (now Greenville Entertainment Series) and at the request of First Presbyterian minister Dr. Graham, Charles began conducting singing portions of ''Messiah'' at 10:30 PM on Christmas Eve, first with the Acapella Choir, then later with GHS Acapella Choir Alumni - a tradition that continued for 50 years.
Charles organized the Greenville Concert Chorus of interested adults in the community. He directed this group until it became part of the chorus that performed with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. The late Dallas Symphony Conductor, Eduardo Mata, presented him a Certificate of Appreciation for preparing choral groups to perform with the Symphony. Charles and Harris Morgan worked together to bring the Dallas Symphony Orchestra to Greenville for its first performance here. They worked to obtain a Fine Arts Grant from the State of Texas which allowed the students of GISD to attend a concert for $1.00. (Later these concerts were free due to the generosity of one of Greenville's citizens.) Charles had been a member of the Dallas Symphony Board of Greenville since its inception until he retired.
In 1971 Charles is elected to and serves on the Greenville City Council, and later is elected as Mayor of
Greenville and served three years in that post. The City Council PTA awards Charles a Special Award for
his unselfish service to the community and its youth. He also received both the State and National PTA Life Membership Awards. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, '83-'84 President of the YMCA with Trig Ekeland, director.
He served on the Child Protective Services Board, serving as its Chairman until the end of his term.
Charles was a substitute teacher for the Greenville ISD. Mr. Sivley volunteered to direct the Hand Bell Choir at his church. In 2002 the United Way awards Charles the honor of ''Volunteer of the Year'' for his impact on the community. In 2004 he was also awarded the Lion's Heart Award by the City Council PTA for his generosity to the children of GISD. In 2006 Due to his love for the Greenville schools, Mr. Sivley decides to run for and is elected to the GISD School Board where he served as President as well.
From 2007-2013 Charles directed the Villager's Chorale, a group of professional and lay people who loved to sing. They met at Wesley Village in Denison for their rehearsals. Concerts were presented in the late spring and summer and at Christmas to retirement homes, civic groups, and churches.
Charles led a full, fun, music filled life of servanthood to his Faith and Community. His absence from our presence will be deeply felt, but we know he is with the Lord … in this there is No Doubt.
Charles is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Patsy Crenshaw Sivley, daughter Sharon Whiting (Steve) of Bells, Tx, daughter Denise Colbert (Glenn) of Greenville, Tx and daughter Linda Hatcher of Fairfax, Va and beloved sister-in-law Dianne Sivley of Windom, Tx. Also surviving him are Grandchildren Kellie Colbert Lamm (Brett), Michael Hatcher (Alissa), Sammi Whiting Sopko (Tony), Hadley Whiting (Monica), Jackie Colbert, Brooke Hatcher Morrison (Mark), Ashley Richardson Reiter (Justin), Caitlin Hatcher Truhn (Chad), 19 Great-Grandchildren and 3 Great-Great-Grandchildren and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Sivley and Audie Mae Bailey; step-father, Edd M. Bailey; grandson, Blake Richardson; his brother, J.D. Sivley and sister, Wanda Roberson.
Pallbearers will be his great-grandsons, Colby Hilleary, Evan Hatcher, Preston Lamm, Anthony Colbert, Andrew Colbert, Dillon Hatcher. Honorary pallbearer will be Trey Hatcher.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wesley UMC Media Ministry, Shriners Children at www.shrinerschildrens.org, Turners Syndrome at www.turnerssyndrome.org, or the local Lions Club Vision program.
Condolences(15)
David Herbert
Greenville, TX Friday, May 31, 2024 Mr. Sivley was a great MAN. I never have been part of an organized choir outside of our Greenville Elementary School Choirs. I fondly remember Mr. Sivley’s gathering of all the kids in elementary schools in Greenville together each year to put on a SPRING END OF SCHOOL SINGING EVENT at the Municipal Auditorium in downtown Greenville. All kids together on the stage at one time!We sang the songs below along with other ones I can’t remember.
No Man is an Island!
My Country ‘‘tis of Thee!
America the Beautiful!
Let There Be Peace on Earth and Let It Begin With Me!
GREAT EVENT IN THE 1960’s!!!!
It was great for our community and unity.
I remember him being our Mayor while I was in High School.
Charles had a very sweet family. (also had a daughter I was fond of in High School!)
So sorry for our loss…..
David Herbert
Kate Branson
Benbrook, TX Wednesday, May 15, 2024 We loved having Charles in our jams at our Harps, Hammers and Friends jams. He and Patsy were always a joy, and we will miss him until we sing again in the heavenly choir !Mary McHam
Garland, VT Wednesday, May 15, 2024 Such a life so glad to have known this good manRichard Ackles
Garland, TX Tuesday, May 14, 2024 Sorry to hear about my friend and mentor. He was and is loved beyond measure because of his grand love for the Lord and his students. What great memories of singing and making mischief. I will never forget his funny little giggle. Love and prayers to Patsy and the girls. Much love, RichardRicky Everhart
Greenville, TX Tuesday, May 14, 2024 My sincere condolences to you Sharon and the entire Sivley family loss.Bob Shelton
Rockwall, TX Tuesday, May 14, 2024 Though tears and smiles, I’m trying to think of something to say, and amid everything that comes to mind, I think, I am so incredibly proud to have known such a man just about covers it. One of the all time greats! We were all so lucky.A proud member of the “Chuck Sivley Singers”
Quote: David McHam Class of ‘65
Paul Stanley
Saint Jo, TX Tuesday, May 14, 2024 In 1966 I entered Greenville High School as a Freshman. I was honored to make the Acapella Choir conducted by Charles Sively. What an incredible human being. Just his demeanor, Christian beliefs & teaching techniques spoke volumes. He will be sorely missed.Paul Stanley
Bev McKay Williams
Wolfe City, TX Tuesday, May 14, 2024 Only had the privilege of having Mr Sivley as a choir director for one year at Greenville High School- but learned so much from him!! Amazing director! Amazing man!Alan Ackles
Sachse, TX Tuesday, May 14, 2024 There will never be another Charles Sivley. Most of what is left of my grey matter still holds incredibly fond memories of this man and all the enormously fun times we had. Just a sampling:Frigid Christmas parades. Lions and Kiwanis club lunches. Sparkling white performance tuxedos.
Doug the bus driver. Corpus Christi. The Buccaneer Music Festival. The Rock Lodge. The Gulf Clipper. Ones. Ones. And more Ones. Operas at the State Fair Music Hall. The Norman Luboff Choir. All State Choir with the Houston Orchestra. Choir Camp in Huntsville. Wesley Choir.
The Municipal Auditorium. Oklahoma! Bye Bye Birdie. Trouble in River City. Getting whooped in a round of tennis. Voice lessons at Holsum Circle. Record albums. The Messiah on Christmas Eve.…and that barely scratches the surface.
Upon a recent visit to Greenville, my wife and thought we would look in on him and Patsy to see how they were doing. Siv was his usual self. Giggling. Cutting up. As always, it was a delightful visit.
As we were leaving, he grabbed Donna’s and my hand and said “let me pray with you”. And proceeded to pray a wonderfully sweet, heartfelt prayer of gratitude and praise….as if he knew these would be our last moments together.
Charles Sivley. Ninety-three years young, mostly confined to a wheel chair …praying for US! Generation after generation…still caring and giving.
Thank you Siv for your generous and caring heart, your example to all of us mischievous kids, your sacrifice and diligence to produce first-rate choirs and musicals, your lasting friendship, and of course, memorable and indescribable adventure and fun! Oh, how we will miss you!
Patsy, Sharon, Denise, Linda & families,
Thank you for lending us this treasure of a human being. May sweet memories of “Siv” flood your heart with joy and give you comfort knowing that perhaps one day we will all reprise the most magnificent presentation of the Hallelujah Chorus in HIS presence…with Charles Sivley as conductor!
The Lord Bless You and Keep You.
With gratitude and love,
Alan & Donna Ackles,
GHS Choir 1965-67
Jeff Steed
Greenville, TX Tuesday, May 14, 2024 He was my Church Choir director as well as my high school choir director. He helped to inspire me to pursue my career in teaching. He always encouraged students to develop their talents and allowed them to shine. He developed my love of choral music and introduced me to composers whose music I still enjoy.May God bless the Sivley family.
Jeff Steed
Greenville, TX Tuesday, May 14, 2024 He was my Church Choir director as well as my high school choir director. He helped to inspire me to pursue my career in teaching. He always encouraged students to develop their talents and allowed them to shine. He developed my love of choral music and introduced me to composers whose music I still enjoy.May God bless the Sivley family.
Bev McKay Williams
Wolfe City, TX Tuesday, May 14, 2024 Only had the privilege of having Mr Sivley as a choir director for one year at Greenville High School- but learned so much from him!! Amazing director! Amazing man!Valisea Guice
Balch Springs, TX Tuesday, May 14, 2024 Jackie you have my deepest sympathy. Praying for you and your family during this difficult time.Ricky Dean Johnson
Dallas, TX Monday, May 13, 2024 To the Sivley family.Charles was so revered and loved in the Greenville music family and my own. Without his loving guidance, my love, talent and appreciation of music may have been overlooked and so many experiences never played out. I owe this musicman so much that I could never possibly put it all down in these words.
Men of his stature and possession of teaching skills are few and far between. I will forever remember him until I see him again in the hereafter. We will have a grand laugh. There will be a line of us hopefully to be in his heavenly choir. I can say, I loved this man. Thank you for sharing him with me all those many years ago.
Carol Smith
Coppell, TX Monday, May 13, 2024 So many fun times and happy memories with your daddy who always reminds me of my daddy in manners, physical appearance and leadership. Your daddy made school fun and exciting! He encouraged us to be our best! He was a servant leader and led by example. Now in heaven and the angels are singing him home! 🎵🎶🎵🪽✝️