Sylvia Elaine Thompson

Obituary For Sylvia Elaine Thompson

Mrs. Sylvia Elaine Thompson, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026.

Sylvia Elaine (Jones) Thompson, affectionately known as Sylvie, was born on January 17, 1945, in Cunard, West Virginia. She was the eldest of six children born to Troy Edward Jones and Ola Elaine Jones. In 1959, Sylvie moved with her family to Harlem, New York, where she later graduated from Central Commercial High School in 1963, having studied bookkeeping.

Sylvie was the devoted mother of one son, Eric, whom she shared with Aloysius Martinez. In 1972, she married John “Johnny” Thompson, and together they made their home in Farmingdale, Long Island. There, Sylvie raised Eric and lived for more than 50 years, building a life centered on family, friendship, and love.

She worked for several years as a supervisor at John McGrath, a mail advertising company, where she formed a lifelong friendship with Harold Presley, who remained her dearest friend. A gifted and generous cook, Sylvie was especially known for her lasagna, homemade rolls, and scrumptious cheesecake—dishes that became cherished family traditions. As a loving and devoted grandmother, she took special joy in preparing Eric’s favorite meals and those beloved by her grandchildren, Durrell, Kyle, and Jasmine.

Sylvie was also an artist at heart. Her home was adorned with ceramic clowns and Disney characters that she lovingly painted herself. A favorite of everyone’s was the beautifully crafted chocolates that she made for the children on Easter and the roses she made for the women in her life on Mother’s Day. Sylvie also enjoyed traveling and visited several countries with Johnny, Eric, and other family members. Sharing her mother’s love of jigsaw puzzles, she could often be found patiently working on a puzzle for weeks at a time.

In 2019, Sylvie and Johnny moved to Aberdeen, Maryland, to remain close to Eric. Johnny succumbed to a long illness in 2021. In 2024, Sylvie relocated to Greensboro, North Carolina, to be nearer to her extended family. She joyfully celebrated her birthday with loved ones on January 17, 2025, and passed peacefully in hospice the following day, with her son Eric by her side.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Troy Jones Jr.; her sister, Pamela Jones; her best friend, Harold, and her beloved husband, John “Johnny” Thompson.

She is survived by her son, Eric; her sisters, Shelby Jones Hemingway (Irving) and Anita Franklin; her brother, Sidney Jones; her grandchildren, Durrell Jeffers (Donielle), Kyle Jones, and Jasmine Jones; her great-grandsons, Jordan and Xavier and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will cherish her memory always.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2026 11am Cassie Coote-Brown Memorial Chapel at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home 909 East Market Street Greensboro, North Carolina. Visitation 10:30am.

Burial will follow at Salisbury National Cemetery 1:30pm.

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