Obituaries

Sydney Barbara Beck Graziosi, beloved partner, grandmother, and mother, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025 in Dahlonega, Georgia.

Sydney was born on June 6, 1949 to Wilma and Walter Beck. She adored her family, but had a special relationship with her father that she talked about for years. In 1967, she graduated from Overton High School in Memphis. Sydney was loved by her classmates, and maintained many of her early friendships all the way up until her passing. She is joined in paradise by her brother Joe Smith, sister Sharon Smith Pratt, and her parents. Her living sister is Nancy Smith Lee.

In 1969, Sydney was blessed with her only child, Gwendolyn Schwarz. She devoted her life to her child and grandchildren Corinne Schwarz, Rachael Schwarz, and Abigail Schwarz. Sydney spent most of those years working as a ticket agent for Delta in Newport, Kentucky. During her time at Delta, Sydney got to enjoy her passion of traveling. She went all over the country, usually with her treasured Sharon. Sydney retired from Delta in 2011.

In her last few years, Sydney was reunited with her lifelong sweetheart, Geoff Hodges.

Sydney was known most of all for her love of dogs. She always had at least one little black dog running around, and was a donor to the ASPCA for decades. Sydney was also known for her wit, beauty, generosity, and love of the Lord.

Sydney is survived by her partner, grandchildren, and daughter. She will be deeply missed by her family and many friends.