Sylvia Jane Culley, daughter of Bessie and Adin Bolar, was born on August 5, 1942 in St. Louis, Missouri. From the day she was born, to the day that she passed on, she shared her love, her smile, her laugh, her wisdom, and her support. She shared these with her daughters, her family, and her friends.
Sylvia and her sister, Clarice, were best friends. When her children were young, she and Clarice talked every day, greeting each other with an upbeat, “Howdy Dooo!” That was the beginning of her showing the special bond of love, fun and happiness between sisters. Sylvia grew up in St. Louis, MO where she attended Antioch Baptist Church, graduated from Sumner High School and received her college degree from Harris Stowe Teachers College. She married Tommie J. Culley and in that union had three daughters. Sylvia was active in supporting all three girls through their school years to adulthood, serving as a classroom room mother, Girl Scout leader, tutor, counselor and confidante. Sylvia, along with her husband, Tommie, taught their girls the value of community by helping start a friendship circle called the North County Odd Couples. This group resulted in multiple family vacations, get-togethers, and a bowling league. Many of the friendships developed from this group are still friends with each other today and are supportive friends of Sylvia’s girls, lifelong friends, who have shown kindness, love and support.
In St. Louis, Sylvia enjoyed family get-togethers where she liked to sing, dance, and play pokeno. She loved her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and was proud of the success of all of her nieces and nephews.
In Kansas City, she attended St. James United Methodist Church where she enjoyed the fellowship and the songs of praise from the Contemporary Choir. Sylvia served as secretary at BW Shepherd State School for Severely Handicapped Children in Kansas City, MO. She also worked as a marketing manager for AT&T in Kansas City, MO; Minneapolis, MN; and Burke, VA. After leaving Virginia, she lived in Charlotte, NC for over 10 years. In Charlotte, she attended Unity Church where she volunteered on the Hospitality Committee. She also volunteered as a companion at Sharon Towers Assisted Living Facility. She moved back to the Kansas City area to an assisted living facility in May of 2018.
After a well fought battle with Alzheimer’s disease, she passed away on Sunday evening, September 29, 2019. Sylvia’s brother, Carl Bolar preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memory, sister, Clarice Reid (Charlotte, NC), three daughters: Cynthia Phillips (Keith), Carla Carter (Seaon, Sr.), Cassaundra "Cassie" Graves (Scott); grandchildren: Seaon, Jr., Nikayla, Arielle, Dasia, Scott, Jr., Nia, Markayla, great grand-daugther, Lakenzie; sisters-in-law Helena Bolar and Rose Culley; nieces: Carolyn Davis, Glenda Culley, Georgette Culley, nephews: Carl (Bert) Bolar, Jr., Rick Bolar, Anthony "Tony" Bolar, Kevin Pulley (Alfreda), and a host of great nieces, great nephews, cousins, other family and friends.
