Sylvia Yee Louie

On Wednesday July 16, 2024, at the age of 83, Sylvia Yee Louie went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was born in Mississippi to Danny H. Yee and Amy W. Yee. After graduating from Greenville High School, she attended Mississippi College for Women earning a degree in Business Education.

At a party for the Mississippi Chinese American community, Daniel Dare Louie met Sylvia. A friendship developed over the years; their marriage was celebrated on June 10, 1962. During their 62 years of marriage, they were blessed with two sons: Scott and Michael. With Daniel pursuing his education and training in the fields of science and medicine, they lived all over the USA before settling in Houston. Together, she and Daniel were avid travelers, joining friends traveling around the USA, Asia, and Europe.

The Louies joined Willow Meadows Baptist Church in the 70s. At Willow Meadows, she embraced challenging ministry opportunities. She was among the first women at Willow Meadows to be ordained a Deacon. In 2012, Sylvia and Daniel joined South Main Baptist Church. Sylvia joined the choir, participated in the Power and Light Sunday School Community, and attended MainStreamers where she shared her culture by teaching Chinese Mah Jongg. She joined a group of ladies learning to play American Mah Jongg, quickly earning the title of “Joker Queen.” Sylvia was a devout Christian, never hesitating to serve. Her spirit of faithful excellence was indeed a gift for both church families. Her laughter and her love were gifts to her family and friends.

Sylvia worked at Rice University for the Department of Religious Studies for 41 years, serving first as secretary and retiring as Senior Departmental Coordinator. She operated with a meticulous work discipline, persistent diligence, and calmness in moments of crisis. She served the community on several boards and became a member of Leadership Houston. As affirmation of her community service, Sylvia was accepted into the Houston/Gulf Coast American Leadership Forum. Leadership in the ALF referred to her as “so petite, yet so strong.”

Creativity was in Sylvia’s DNA! As an enthusiastic seamstress and crafter, she was instrumental in making over 30 pumpkins to decorate for a dinner. Sylvia created everything: blue jean purses, wreaths for every occasion, pouches for cellphones, and hundreds of felt flowers. She made sure there was always a wreath in the choir suite for each holiday. Showing her generosity, she gifted friends with her creations.

Preceded in death by her parents. Sylvia is survived by her husband Daniel Dare Louie, son Scott, daughter-in-law Alexandra, granddaughters Anna and Sarah, and son Michael. She is also survived by brothers Albert, Edwin, and sister Priscilla Jue. She loved her sons dearly; she adored her two granddaughters; she treasured her friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Rice University Department of Religion (https://riceconnect.rice.edu/giving) and South Main Baptist Church, 4100 Main Street, Houston, TX. 77002.