John Sylvester, Jr.

John Henry Sylvester, Jr. of 2286 Satinwood Dr., died Saturday, March 10, 2007 at MedCentral Mansfield Hospital. He was born to Sudie Pearl and John Henry Sylvester Sr. on March 21, 1946 in Leland, Mississippi, He attended school in Leland, MS, relocating to Mansfield in his early teens where he initially lived with his cousin, Christine Valry, until his marriage. On November 29, 1963 he was united in marriage to Bernice Juanita Jackson and to that union Rhonda, John III and Stephanie were born. Bernice preceded him in death on July 13, 1986. He began working at an early age holding various jobs until he found gainful employment with Peabody Barnes. After the closing of Peabody Barnes, he began his construction career with Kermit Caldwell's Hauling & Demolition and it was there that he became a member of the Ohio Laborers Union Local 1216. Later, he worked for Miller Brothers Paving and Kokosing Construction, Inc. During those years, he invested in Sylvester's Property and Management and played an intricate role in the development of Sallie's Wholesale & Construction Inc. Due to declining health, he retired early in 1997. He was a member of the Baháí Faith and declared his belief in 1988. On April 8, 1989 he was united in marriage to Sallie Jane Caldwell. As a member of the Baháí Faith he participated in an 'Ebony and Ivory' teaching team that actively gave presentations promoting race unity and accord using teachings of the Baháí Faith. He also played an important role in providing the local Baháí community with a learning center.

He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife, Sallie Jane Caldwell Sylvester and her daughter of Mansfield; children, Rhonda Denise Sylvester, John Henry Dedra Sylvester III, Stephanie Nichole Reginald Moffett, and John Allen, all of Mansfield; father, John Henry Sylvester Sr. of Strike City, MS; aunts, Minnie B. Young of Strike City, MS and Reatha Sylvester of Cleveland, OH; uncles, Thomas Adel White and Clifton Sylvester of Cleveland, OH; brothers, Louis C. Mamie Oliver and Clarence Deloris Sylvester of Mansfield and James Hillery Sylvester of Jacksonville, FL; sisters, Minnie P. Stanton of Benecia, CA, Reatha Mae John Adams of Greenville, MS, Emma Mae Jerome Adams of Strike City, MS, Carrie SamThomas of Leland, MS, Mary Parker, and Virginia Sylvester of Chicago, IL; sister-in-law, Annie Ruth Harrison of Greenville, MS; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. John was preceded in death by his mother, Sudie Pearl Sylvester, his first wife, Bernice Juanita Sylvester, sister, Corine Sylvester and a brother, Lee Arthur Harrison, Sr.

Friends may call Friday, March 16, 2007 from 6-9 pm at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors. A Homegoing Celebration Service will be held Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 11 am at the funeral home. Internment will be at Mansfield Memorial Park. Following the service, the Candace Williams Foundation will host a family dinner at the Friendly House 380 N. Mulberry St., Mansfield, OH 44903.