Sylvia Smith Dockery

10/20/1950 - 06/04/2021

Obituary For Sylvia Smith Dockery

Sylvia "Darnell" Smith Dockery,70, of Cary, NC died Friday, June 4, 2021 at Transitions Life Care Hospice, Raleigh, NC.

Her funeral service is Noon, Friday, June 11, 2021 on Mt. Olive M. B. Church Grounds 9335 Hwy. 304 N, Mesic, North Carolina. The interment will follow at the Mesic Memorial Cemetery. The service may be viewed on Oscar's Mortuary Facebook page.

She is survived by her son, Arlie Alexander Ponds, Jr.; ; daughter, Danielle Evette Vann (Malcolm R. Vann Jr.); brothers, Clarence Pernell Smith (Eva Mae Smith) and Rex Ropel Smith (Gayla Elizabeth Smith); sister, Beatrice Mae Minor; grandchildren, Marquise Taquon Sherrod-Ponds and Malolm Robert Vann III.

Masks are required. Chairs are limited, please bring a chair.



Guest Book

I met Sylvia Smith Dockery through whom I called Poppa Dockery. I love the fact that she had a kind spirt and trusted in the fact that poppa trusted me. A true woman of God and knows when a real person has their best interest at heart. I wish I was able to get to know you a little longer. Rest easy with my Poppa.

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My Auntie, your physical presence will be missed beyond what I can ever describe. Your spirit, wisdom, smile but most importantly your love will always be with me and our entire family. You were a precious gift and I thank God for allowing us to have you for your appointed time on earth. I love you!! Rest and wear your crown. Lydia V. Smith-Monk

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I met her almost 40 years ago when I at the VA Hospital in Durham and she was such a loving and giving person. She was blessing to me and my family from the day we met. I'm so thankful for our friendship and support for so many years. I commend Jr. and Danielle for taking such good care of their mother these last few years. I will never forget her laughter and infectious smile. I know she is resting in eternal peace and she will be missed. My prayers and condolence go out to the family. Mary Dempson

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To the family of Sylvia Smith Dockery: I am so saddened to learn of the passing of Sylvia. She was my roommate at NCA&TSU during our sophomore year. I will always remember her beautiful smile and gentle spirit. Be confident in knowing that her loving spirit lives on in you and she now rests in the presence of God. Lovingly, Effie Lamar Stanford-Perry

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We will miss you, neighbors for 36 years. Vanya and Kenneth Elliott

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Arlie and Danielle we are very sorry for your loss. We lived in the same neighborhood for 36 years. I always enjoyed our conversations when we would run into each other at the grocery store. Always remember those we love can never be more than a thought away, as long as there is a memory they live in your heart to stay.

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My dear friend, cousin and classmate, little did we know when we passed your old exit in Burlington that you were already in our Lord and Savior's arms. You were always so kind-hearted, loving and a giving person. I will always cherish our memories, especially in high school. It's no surprise that you touched so many people lives over the years. You had such great faith. To know you was to love you, but God loved you best. We will miss your smiling face, Darnell. Love, Ron and Sally Fields

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Marquise and Family Mrs Sylvia was a beautiful person,she loved the Lord and is now safe in his arms.I am Praying the Lord will comfort you with his peace,surround you with his love and and strengthen you with his presence.Hold on to memories and remember how very much your Grandmother Loved You! Mrs Rowell

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My condolences to the family. I met Sylvia through my cousin Barbara Watson. It was a pleasure meeting you. Take Your Rest!! Markeetia Lamb

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I had the pleasure of meeting Sylvia many years ago when she lived in Burlington. We quickly became close. I'm heartbroken of your passing, but I know that God needed His angel back. I will love you forever. Rest in Him. Love, Alice Rone

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I met Sylvia a few years ago as a Physical Therapy client . She quickly became a friend because I loved her from the moment we met . She was one of God's most faithful servants , selfless, always spreading joy and the most positive person I've ever met , even in the face of her illness . Her goal was to be strong enough so she could drive and go out , and that she did often , never letting " life" get in the way . I've learned so much from her on how to appreciate and treasure each moment . I will miss her . My prayers go out to Junior and Danielle , her 2 angels , and her family whom she loved so dearly .

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I met Ms. Sylvia a few years ago and have loved her ever since. She became my second mother, listening, giving advice and praying for me and my family. She had such a great spirit! No matter what she was going through you would never know because she was always positive. Ms. Sylvia, I will really miss sitting at your kitchen table eating fried fish and talking for hours. Jr. & Daniel, thanks for sharing your mom with me and so many others. Ms. Sylvia, Rest In Peace my love.

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I met Mrs. Sylvia about 15 years ago, not only did we form a friendship, but she became a mother figure and a mentor to me and my girls. She was someone who I could talk to about anything and not only would she advise me but she prayed over me and my family's life. Mrs. Sylvia, I will be forever grateful for you coming into my life. Love you forever!

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In love ing memory of my beautiful smiling cuz REST IN PEACE LAULA CREDLE ALLEN

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I met Sylvia over 42 years ago at the VA in Charleston, SC. We shared so many memories together, I am devastated for my personal loss, what a spirited visit with her a week before she transitioned, but know that she is in God's loving arms now and we will see her again. We saw each other as Sisters in Christ.She was a kind and caring Sister. We shared marriages, deaths of loved one, birth of our children, graduations, birthday parties, pets, frequent telephone calls, and just visits to see each other. My family and I will miss her dearly. So proud of Danielle and Jr. for taking such excellent care of their Mom during her illness. Sylvia, I Love You and will never forget you. You will be my Friend and Sister for the rest of my life. Delores, Summerville,SC

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Condolences to the Smith/Dockery family on the passing of Darnell. Prayers and God will comfort you during these difficult times. Johnnie and Dyanna Tripp Fredericksburg VA.

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We lived next door to Ms. Sylvia, Jr., and Danielle for several years. Ms. Sylvia was the most humble and caring neighbor anyone would love. She taught me how to care for our first son, Joshua and was there with us as I learned to be a new mom. We send our deepest condolences to Jr., Danielle and the whole family. What an awesome woman she was here on earth. Now, rest well, Ms. Sylvia in the bosom of our loving Savior. Zane, Winters, Joshua, Matthew, and Daniel Hankins

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Sincere sympathy to the Smith family. Rex and Gayla we are keeping you and your family in prayer. May your Sister rest in peace. She was a classmate of James at NCA&T. God's Blessings! James and Connie Levister Apex, NC

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My classmate you will be missed. Condolences to the family

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Sylvia,you were a beautiful person inside and out.I so enjoyed working with you all of those years at the VA-You were such a devoted mother and just a good kind person through and through-you became a Hospice volunteer during the 80's when Hospice of Wake County was just founded-I remember wondering-how does she get her all of her energy? But you just wanted to help people-that was Sylvia,loving and kind.Will never forget you.Danielle and Jr. you were so loved and in return you were devoted to your mother -hang on to all of those happy memories and they will help you heal.Doreen Shaner

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My condolences to the Smith and Dockery Family Evelyn Smith Dixon and Family

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My condolences to the Smith and Dockery family Evelyn Smith Dixon and Family

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So sorry to hear of Sylvia's passing. We did share some good times together. RIP and sending my condolences to the family and keeping you all in Prayer.

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To the entire family: Sylvia "Darnell" was kind, gentle, and loving to everyone. She was always peaceful and carried that smile which could melt anyone's heart. Darnell is resting in the arms of our Lord! Be blessed and remember that Jesus loves you too. . . 🙏🏽😘♥️ Marion Smith-Dudley

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I will miss you, Mom. You have been the epitome of what it means to be a Loving God-fearing Mother. You are my Mother and my Best Friend and I love you dearly!

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I will miss Sylvia. I liked her from the time I met her. She is my grandson's other grandmother. She and my grandson were very close. I know that he will really miss her, along with the rest of the family. Where ever she went, she took her joy and a big smile. I am sorry for her loss. You all have my condolences!

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So sorry to hear of Sylvia's passing, We enjoyed talking with her when we visited Alton in the hospital. R. C. Bostic and Nancy Gainey, Candor, NC.F363P

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Ms. Sylvia was my son Marquise's Grandmother! She loved him so much! She was his heart and vice versa! I appreciate her helping to raise him and I'll never forget her tears of joy thanking me for letting him go to NC so she could have a relationship with her grandson. He was her baby. I'm so glad that they had an extremely close loving relationship. She was such a blessing to him and her love for him was a blessing to me. She will be missed and I'm so sorry for y'all's loss. Sending my condolences, Jenita Sherrod

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Sylvia and I became friends shortly after she transferred to the Durham VAMC from South Carolina. She was the kind of person you always enjoyed being around. I will never forget her smile and laughter. A woman of great faith, she endured her illness with grace. Her love for her children, brothers, other family and Bo always permeated our conversations. I know she is resting peacefully, but she will be missed. My prayers and condolences go out to the family she loved so deeply.

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Prayers for Sylvia's family. She and I were classmate in the School of Nursing at NC A&T. Peace& Blessings- Janice Harris Williams

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Prayers and condolences to you, Daniel. God bless.

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I met Ms Sylvia in 2015, she was a very sweet and caring person ... Ms Sylvia always had me trying new foods with her and i enjoyed her company.. Ms Sylvia you will definately be missed

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My dear friend, cousin & classmate who I dearly love forever. A women of strong faith that loved & helped many. You will be missed but never never never forgotten!❤️❤️❤️ Bonnie & Odell Whitney

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Always loved Sylvia "Darnell" as a sister. Will always remain sisters.

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I met Sylvia almost 20 years ago when I started working at the VA..... instant connection. She loved everyone but especially her family and the Lord. She made a life long impact on my life and I will be eternally grateful. Jr and Danielle you have my deepest sympathy, but we all know that one day we will all meet and what a celebration that will be. RIP Sylvia you have earned your crown.

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Barbara Watson Cary NC

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My friend my buddy my sis..will truly miss you..we shared so much joy..

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Oscar's Mortuary, Inc. | New Bern, NC