On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8, 1949, 73 years ago, our heavenly Father blessed the world with a beautiful jewel in the person of Sylvia Ann Foster Massey. Sylvia was the daughter of the late Mrs. Agnes Foster Smith and the late Mr. John Sawyer White, Sr. At the age of 15, Sylvia’s mother passed away and her grandmother, the late Mrs. Pearl Butler Foster and her grandfather, the late Mr. Charlie Foster reared her in their home as a daughter with their children. On Wednesday, November 2, 2022, our beloved Sylvia transitioned from labor to reward at her home surrounded by her husband, children/spouses and grandsons. This mighty Woman of God has accomplished numerous goals during her life. Her caring, loving, helpful and patient spirit will never be forgotten. Deaconess Sylvia Ann Massey will be remembered as a regenerate Christian member of the Harrison Grove Baptist Church in Roebuck, South Carolina where she served with love, strength and dignity. Deaconess Massey diligently served the Lord as a Deaconess; President of the Harrison Grove Gospel Mass Choir were she lifted her voice as an alto; Overseer of the Executive Board; Missionary Member; Vacation Bible School Director; Senior Citizens “Young At Heart” coordinator along with her husband, Thomas, Sr.; Singles Ministry Advisor; she joyfully enjoyed Sunday School Lessons facilitated by the late

Sister Annie Mae Copeland in her Adult Sunday School Class; she also enjoyed Wednesday Morning Bible Study under the direction of Sister Josephine Ferguson and the late Reverend Dr. Leon C. Rector, Jr. Sylvia began her education at the Foster Chapel Elementary School in Roebuck, South Carolina during the days of segregation. She was a proud 1969 high school graduate of Lincoln High School in Spartanburg, South Carolina. After the completion of high school, she furthered her education by earning a certificate in Typing from the Cecil’s Business College in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 1970 and she graduated from Spartanburg Community College with an Associate Degree in Business Administration in 2007. Sylvia believed education was relevant in obtaining a good career. She was very influential in encouraging her children, grandchildren, church babies and other children within the community to go to school and get a good education. Sylvia was employed by American Dream for many years until the plant closed; Butte Knitting for many years until the plant closed; and she retired from Springs Industries after 10 years of service as a team leader and supervisor. After retirement, she became employed as an Administrative Assistant at a couple of Law Firms within the community; Substitute Teacher for Spartanburg School District Six; former part time school bus driver and the greatest job she ever worked was rearing her four grandsons in her home while their parents went to work. This woman of service has used her talents and gifts across the years helping and serving others. She served as the

Treasurer at Gable Middle School for three years; treasurer/committee member of the Baccalaureate Service Group; member of the Willing Workers Sympathy Club and the president of the Foster, Butler, Woodruff and Roger’s Family Reunion Committee. She has served as the family reunion president from 1990 until her death. The family will always remember her in a special way! She has blessed her family and friends by preparing delicious meals and she will be remembered as a tailor- sewing and altering garments for many in the community. On Saturday, December 26, 1971, Sylvia married the love of her life of 50 years, Deacon Thomas E. Massey, Sr., and to this union the Lord blessed them with two children, Mrs. Detra K. (Garnell) Stevens of Lyman, South Carolina; Dr. Thomas E. (Lady Kabie L.) Massey, Jr., of Spartanburg, South Carolina; four grandsons, Brandon G. Stevens, Brayden Z. Stevens, Thomas E. Massey, III and Tate L. Massey. In addition to her husband, children and grandchildren, she is survived by her maternal siblings, Mr. George E. (Kathy) Smith of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Ms. Zina Smith of Spartanburg, South Carolina and Mr. Howard (Barbara) Smith of Hempstead, New York; maternal sister reared in the home, Ms. Martha J. Foster of Spartanburg, South Carolina; paternal siblings, Mr. Jimmy White and Mr. John White, Jr., both of Spartanburg, South Carolina; best friend, Ms. Josephine Ferguson of Spartanburg, South Carolina; niece whom she reared in the home, Mrs. Shante (Cory) Means of Spartanburg, South Carolina and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

“Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same but as God calls us one by one the chain will link again.” She was preceded in death by eight of her adored siblings whom she was reared in the home with, Mr. Furman Foster, Mr. George Foster, Mrs. Alice McWhorter, Mrs. Mae Agnes Smith, Mrs. Betty Martin, Mrs. Bessie Lee Garrett, Mr. Joe Foster and Mr. Charlie Foster; special niece, Ms. Letha Michelle Foster; her stepfather, Mr. Edward Smith; and her stepmother, Mrs. Lola Bell White. A Celebration of the Life of Sylvia Ann Massey will be held on Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 2:00pm at Harrison Grove Baptist Church, Roebuck, SC. Burial will be in the church cemetery. J.W. Woodward Funeral Home