Sylvia Yvette Johnson was born April 20, 1959 in Nashville, Tennessee. She was the fifth child of ten born to Willie and Sarah Johnson, who preceded her in death. Two of her brothers, Willie and Rickey Johnson also preceded her in death. Sylvia was educated in the public school system in Nashville, Tennessee.

She leaves to cherish her memory four children. Ms. Shetyka Johnson of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Trobathian (Calvin) Johnson of Columbia, South Carolina, Joshia Johnson of Orlando, Florida and Lakisha Johnson of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Grandson Adonis Johnson; Siblings: Mary Allen of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Sheena Earle of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Ava McMahon, Lois W. Johnson and Pastor Joey Johnson, Sr., all of Nashville, Tennessee, Lesley (Vanessa) Johnson of Charleston, South Carolina, Johnny T. Johnson of Virginia; Stepbrother: Theron (Sherry) Allen of Macon, Georgia; Stepmother: Joycelyn Johnson of Macon, Georgia. A host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. Very special thanks to her cousins: Latanya Rush, June Grant and Larki Bradwell, who were very instrumental in her life.