Sylvia Williams

Life’s Just Begun

The Journey was long, I did my best

Now the time has come for me to rest

The time we had was such a feast

But now for sure I am at peace.

My smile was big, my stand was high

The time has come to say goodbye.

This is not the end; Life’s just begun;

As I rest in peace above the sun.

At Sunrise of August 25, Sylvia Samuels Williams was born to Hugh Edgar and Emma Louise Samuels at St. Vincent Hospital in Manhattan, New York. At Sunset on May 3, 2026 - though absent from the body- Sylvia is now present with The Lord.

(2 Corinthians 5:8)

The family moved to Brooklyn, New York where Sylvia graduated from Eli Whitney Vocational High School in 1959.

Sylvia married James M. Williams and from that union their son James Lester Williams was born (now deceased).

Sylvia was baptized at the Concord Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York along with her three brothers, Hughie, Richie and Bobby.

Sylvia’s first love was dressmaking. She made dresses for her dolls. Sylvia practiced cooking meals and “tested” her meals on her three brothers (as guinea pigs).

Sylvia held many jobs. One week after graduation she tried her hand at dressmaking, electronics, radio, television, and the telephone company. Sylvia was employed by the Police Department as a Fingerprint Technician. Sylvia loved the work of a fingerprint technician. It was very challenging for her to go and find “that one” set of matching fingerprints out of so many thousands of fingerprints.

Sylvia had to resign from the Police Department due to a newly implemented work schedule which required her to work three rotating shifts. Having a young son at home prevented her from complying with the new work schedule. Shortly thereafter, Sylvia was called to work for the New York City Transit Authority where she worked for 24 years before retiring on disability and subsequently, a pension.

Sylvia said, when she retired to Virginia she really found The Lord Jesus Christ and formed a relationship with Him. She was baptized, again, at the age 57.

Sylvia enrolled in the Tidewater Bible College and received her Associate Degree in Bible Studies, graduating on her 60th birthday. Sylvia joined the Body of Christ at One Accord Worship Center-the Church of New Beginnings in Chesapeake, VA., becoming a Minster of the Gospel under the leadership of Pastors Burnell and Grace Williams.

After eleven years of receiving the teachings and fellowship at One Accord Church Sylvia moved on to another church that was closer to her home where she was under the leadership of Pastors Adam and Crystal Frye of the Kempsville Church of God in Virginia Beach.

Sylvia’s family will cherish her memory: one brother Richard Samuels (Carol); five nieces: Patricia Daniels (Michael); Linda Jones; Cynthia Miller (Bryan); Robin Samuels; Michelle Graham (Michael); two nephews: Rodney Samuels and Andre Samuels; A beloved great-niece: LaToya Gordon. A host of cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews, and godchildren.

The family will receive friends at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462, on Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 10:00 am, with a graveside service to follow at Rosewood Memorial Park, 631 North Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462.