Sylvia "Syl" Wiley

October 31, 1963 – May 25, 2025

Sylvia Wiley, affectionately known as "Syl," was born on October 31, 1963, in Chicago, Illinois, where she spent her life surrounded by the love of family and friends. She accepted Christ at the age of 10 at True Faith Baptist Church and later embraced Catholicism, continuing her spiritual journey. Sylvia's deep faith was reflected in her love for gospel music, where she lent her voice to the Voices of Praise for many years. Sylvia was a proud and long-time member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

A dedicated and compassionate healthcare professional, Sylvia made a lasting impact as both a registered nurse and a family nurse practitioner. She took immense pride in earning her nurse practitioner license, and working towards her doctorate degree, which symbolized her unwavering commitment to caring for others. Her professional journey also included being a professor at the CAAN Academy of Nursing, where she passed on her knowledge and passion to future generations of nurses.

Sylvia's vibrant personality extended beyond her career. She had a profound love for cooking, delighting in dishes like crab, lobster, and Japanese Wagyu steak, which she often enjoyed with family and friends. Music was another cornerstone of her life, with jazz and gospel holding special places in her heart. Barbra Streisand's voice, in particular, brought her much joy. Sylvia also cherished classic television, with favorites such as Parrish, Imitation of Life, and General Hospital, which sparked her belief in life's twists and second chances. Her enthusiasm for basketball was boundless, and she was her son Steven's most dedicated supporter, whether she was cheering from the stands or watching from home.

Family was Sylvia's greatest joy. She was a devoted mother to her son, Steven Rockingham, a loving "bonus" mother to Warren Milla and a caring stepmother to Amber Fuller. Her grandchildren—Romeo Hudson, Aubrey Rose Rockingham and her bonus grandchildren, Elijah, Leo, and Alayna Rose Milla—were the light of her life. Sylvia also adored her nieces and nephews: Rafael Wiley, Jasmine, Joshua and Faith Harper, as well as Briana and Brian “BJ” Brown. Her deep bond with her sister Loretta Wiley-Harper (Edward), twin brother Sylvester “Jim” Wiley of Suwanee, Georgia, and older brother Sylvester Johnson was unbreakable. She also shared a special love with her niece/sister, Summer Wiley-Brown (Brian). Sylvia never had a daughter but embraced her grandchildren’s mothers as her own, Sky, Ariana and Patrice.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Joan and Sylvester Wiley, and her sister, Lacy Liane Wiley, whose memories she held in her heart and memory.

Sylvia had a remarkable ability to bring people together—a "superpower" that forged deep, lasting connections among those she loved. If you were a friend of Sylvia’s somehow all of her friends became partners in friendship. Whether playing Bunco with her cherished St. Bede's Girls, traveling abroad with her girls and engaging in lively games of spades and LCR with her family and lifetime friends. Sylvia's presence was always a source of joy and unity. She shared her life with her "sisters of the heart"—Earnestine, Vivian, Sharon, Gail, Sharaine, Kim, Laura, Lorna, Erin, Dawn, Justina and Sweet Susan—as well as her "road dog" Henry (Pete), and Cousin’s Chivas and Terry, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

In her personal life, Sylvia shared a profound and loving bond with her partner, Michael P. Dougherty, CPD, Ret. Lt. who supported her with unwavering love and compassion throughout their journey together, especially during her courageous fight against pulmonary fibrosis. “Mike is the epitome of a real man, provider, partner and friend.” Together, they shared their home with Blake, their beloved "cat son," who brought additional joy to Sylvia's & Mike’s life.

Sylvia's legacy of warmth, love and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of her many cousins, friends, co-workers and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her bright spirit, infectious joy and ability to touch the lives of others will be deeply missed, but her memory will forever be a source of comfort and inspiration.