June 20, 1949 – March 26, 2018

 

NATCHEZ — Services for retired Master Sgt. John “Sly” Sylvester, 68, of Natchez, who died Monday, March 26, 2018, at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, will be 11 a.m. Monday at Greater St. Mark Baptist Church with the Rev. Maurice Irving officiating.   

Burial will follow at the Natchez National Cemetery under the direction of Marshall Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home’s Natchez chapel and from 10 a.m. until service time Monday at the church.

Mr. Sylvester was born June 20, 1949, in Natchez, the son of Isiah and Mary Sylvester.

John was an avid outdoorsman. He loved gardening, fishing, hunting, traveling, cooking and spending time with family. He was an accomplished photographer, videographer and musician.

On January 10, 1972, John married Linda S. Floyd. From that union, Zachary J. Sylvester and Chrustal D. Sylvester was born.

He was baptized at an early age at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Natchez.

John enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on May 17, 1978, as an electronic computer and switching systems technician. He was decorated with AF Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters; AF Good Conduct Medal with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Star; Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Star; AF Overseas Short Tour Ribbon; AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon with four Oak Leaf Clusters; Small Arms Expert Rifle/Pistol Ribbon; and AF Training Ribbon. He also served in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. He retired from the Air Force on July 31, 1991, with full military honors.

After retiring from the Air Force, John and his family moved to Natchez where he was a dedicated carrier for the U.S. Post Office. After 24 years, he retired from the post office.

Though he was baptized at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Greater St. Mark Baptist Church was his church home. He faithfully played drums for the choir and videoed services and programs.

John was compassionate, generous, loving, humorous, wise and devoted to his family. He will be beyond a doubt truly missed by his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Zachary Sylvester; two sisters, Susie B. Singleton and Mary Sanders; two brothers, Isiah Jr., Melvin and Alonzo; and one brother-in-law, Michael Floyd.

Survivors include a loving friend and wife of 46 years, Linda S. Sylvester; one loving and devoted daughter and son-in-law, Chrystal D. Burns and husband, Buck Burns; one brother, Alvin Sylvester; one half-sister, Bernice Smith; mother-in-law, Della Thomas; father-in-law, Luther Thomas Jr.; four special sisters, Shelia Logan, Diana Strauder and husband, Willie, Christine Nichols and husband, Rudy, and Maxine Floyd; two special brothers, Charles Moore and Chris Logan; two goddaughters, Tanisha Ellis and Skylar Stewart; and a number of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and other lives he touched.