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Obituary For Sylvia Foster Massey
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
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Onita Fletcher sent Splendid Memories Bouquet for Sylvia Foster Massey - November 04, 2022
To a beautiful woman who lived a beautiful life. You will be missed! From Rosa A Meadowa Tasha Fletcher Cedric Pearson and Darius Meadows
Lilnetria Johnson sent Enduring Spirit Pothos Basket for Sylvia Foster Massey - November 04, 2022
Sending love to Thomas Sr., Detra, Thomas Jr, and the entire Foster/Massey family and lifting you all in prayer. Love, Carlos, Lilnetria, Melvin, Rosa, and the Johnson/Robinson Family
My prayers and deepest sympathy to Rev. Thomas Massey and family for your loss. May God continue to bless you during your time of bereavement. William Cunningham
My prayers and heart go out to you Rev.Thomas Massey and family. I remember meeting Mrs. SYLVIA years ago at Harrison Grove Baptist Church. I remember her singing in the choir and her beautiful smile. She always made me feel welcomed when I entered Harrison Grove. She is truly a welcomed jewel in Heaven. Prayers continued for strength and comfort to the family. God bless, Carla Jones, Minister of Music Mt Zion, Laurens,SC
No amount of words can replace the empty spot inside of me that I feel but l know deep down inside that I still have not lost the memories of her. Please accept my most sincere condolences Thomas. Even though she is gone we must still continue our conversations. Cousin Larry Fuller
In this time of sorrow may You rest in GOD'S comfort and tender care. Frances Jones
We're sorry for your loss. May God bless and give each of you strength throughout this difficult time. Roy and Carolyn Smith and Family
OUr thoughts and prayers to the family or Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Massey, Jr. We love you and are praying for and with you during this season of lost. May the Lord our God comfort each of you as only He can.
With Sympathy, The Rodgers and Sanders Famiilies of Duncanville and Cedar Hill, Texas
Our fondness memory of riding the bus to Lincoln High School is one of many over our lifetime. We extend our condolences to the Massey family during the lost of their angel. She is with God now and we hope to see Her again on the other side. God be with Your Family 🙏🏿 Angela and Willie Degraffinreid
Condolences to the Family of Mrs.Sylvia Foster Massey. Kimberly & Liah Stoddard
Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Stoddard and family
Our prayers are with you at this time and for the days to come.
Thoughts and prayers to the Massey Family..May peace be extended to the family during your time of bereavement.. Remembering the Massey Family in prayer. Sending heartfelt blessings from the Pilgrim Foster Alston families
To our Family, With deepest sympathy .... May you find peace in the presence of God. We pray that the Lord wipes away your tears, wrap you in his arms and carry you through this season of mourning and deep sadness.
David Anderson & Family
Deacon Massey "Sr", Pastor T. Massey "Jr", Lady Kabie, and family, Our deepest sympathies to you in the passing of your precious wife and mother.May the God whom we cast our cares upon continue to care for and guide you as you embark upon the home-going services of honor and remembrance, and the many days to come. Love, Your Brother and Sister in Christ- Rev. Dennis and Mrs. Tina Smith
Extending our deepest sympathy to the Massey family. Death will not hold true believers in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Allow the light of Mrs. Massey's life to continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. May God give you peace and love that surpasses all understanding from this day forward. Barbara Duncan & Family
To The Foster, Massey family of Sylvia , we know you will truly miss Sylvia but the debt of sin must be paid for. I have known Sylvia pretty much all my life , and the Massey family may God bless your spirit, I could,nt be there with you , because of the distance that we share.
Stanley Jeter
My family and I extend deepest sympathy to the family and friends of deaconness Sylvia Massey. May the love of Christ sustain you during this time of bereavement. Pastor Bessie Black 🙏🏽✝️
We offer sympathy to the entire family. May the Holy Spirit comfort all of you at this time of your loss. Pastor Eddie and Marilyn Parks
There are no words to Express my feelings,however, there're words to my family. "I love you and I will miss my sister cousin ".💔😪
Word can not describe how I am feeling right now. My heart is heavy, this really threw my for a loop. Mrs Sylvia was a friend to me and I loved her. she crossed my mind just last week, she will definitely be missed. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. R.I.H Queen! Vickie Booker 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, May God continue to bless, comfort, and strengthen you. Gloria Meadows
To a cousin I never knew, but God knew us both, so well. May Sylvia's legacy shine on until we do meet face to face. R.I.P. David Smith Jr
Prayers 🙏🙌🙏 and condolences to the Massey and Foster family. The Woodruff, Vernon and Austin family.
Prayers to the Massey Family. Nayosha and Knavi
Prayers yo the Massey Family. Nayosha Evans and Knavi Brown
Our deepest Condolences to the family . We will surely miss her with that beautiful smile . We Appreciate the kindness she extended to our mother Cousin Lula Cohen and entire Cohen family. We Love you dear Cousin❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. To Rev. Dr. Massey and family: My thoughts, prayers and love are with all of you. Continue to trust God for He alone will strengthen and sustain you during this season of your life. Know that I am here for you. Saundra Giles Gaffney, Nayosha and Knavi.
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. To Rev. Dr. Massey and family: My thoughts, prayers and love are with all of you. Continue to trust God for He alone will strengthen and sustain you during this season of your life. Know that I am here for you. Saundra Giles Gaffney, Nayosha and Knavi.
Sending love and prayers to the Massey Family. My deepest condolences. Rocky & Tameka Watson
May God bless and keep you and your family through this heartbreaking time. You have our Deepest Sympathy. NY Cousins
May God bless and keep you and your family in his care now and forever. You have our Deepest Sympathy. NY Cousins
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this heartbreaking time. There's nothing I can say that will ease your pain but I just wanted you to know I am thinking of you. My Deepest condolences. Cousin,Barbara
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this heartbreaking time. There's nothing I can say that will ease your pain but I just wanted you to know I am thinking of you. My Deepest condolences.
Going but not forgotten sleep on until we meet again your sister Mattie Massey Cohen
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
