Sylvia Ann Dennis

Sylvia grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, where her life of love, service, and generosity began. As a young woman, she met the love of her life, William, while they were in high school. Their bond grew into a lifelong partnership, and in 1961 they were married in Tennessee. In 1965, they moved to Michigan, where they built a home and raised their family.

Sylvia dedicated 31 years of service to the United States Postal Service, yet her greatest calling was caring for others. She had a gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and loved.

Cooking and baking were Sylvia’s love language. She showed care through full plates and shared meals, and her desserts became legendary among family and friends. Pound cake, cinnamon rolls, lemon meringue pie, German chocolate cake, and peach cobbler were just a few of the many treats that brought people together around her table. She also enjoyed sewing from time to time.

Sylvia was a faithful and devoted member of Union Missionary Baptist Church from the time she and her family moved to Lansing. Her faith was evident not only in her church membership, but in how she lived—through kindness, generosity, and genuine concern for others.

She exemplified love and caring in all she did. Sylvia was known for her warm smile, quick sense of humor, and her welcoming spirit. Everyone who met her or spent time with her left happier and feeling deeply loved.

Sylvia leaves behind her husband, William Dennis; children: Lavon (Karen) Dennis, Dwayne Dennis and Yolanda (Jim) Stewart; grandchildren: Marlia (Jason) Simmons, Quinton (Amy) Dennis, Kayla (Alex) VanDeventer, Kendra (Kaleb) McElwee, Marissa Dyer and Eric (fiancé Amara) Dennis; eight great grandchildren; sister-in-law Mary Dennis; nieces and nephews and many deeply cherished friends.

A memorial service for Sylvia will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00am at Union Missionary Baptist Church, 500 S Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Lansing, MI 48915. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sylvia may be made to Greater Lansing Food Bank www.greaterlansingfoodbank.org.