Obituary of Sylvia Hailey

Sylvia Marie, daughter of Mabel Watson and Fulton Townes was born September 17, 1954 in Brooklyn, New York. She received her education in the NYC public school system graduating from Erasmus High School. She later attended PACE University earning her bachelor degree. Sylvia was a Corporate Trust Assistant Treasurer at J. Henry Schroder Banking and Trust (renamed IBJ Whitehall) and later Vice President of Corporate Trust Division at The Bank of New York. She attended Greater Mt Pleasant Baptist Church with her family as a young girl. She later joined the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Sylvia sacrificed her life in faithful service to Pleasant Grove and Bishop Albert L. Jamison, Sr. as Deaconess and Chairlady Emeritus of the Trustee Ministry for over 20 years. In 2015, she resigned from the position to take care of her aging Mother and Aunt who she loved dearly. After leaving Pleasant Grove, she occasionally attended Brooklyn Tabernacle and eventually joined Greater Temple of Praise under the leadership of Bishop Jeffrey L. White. Mother Sylvia (as she was affectionately called) became an official GTOP Missionary on June 1, 2024. She was also very active with the Women’s Department events as well attending the Gracefully Aging Women’s Support Group which met once a month after service. Sylvia was kindhearted and always ready to lend a helping hand. She was also tough, quick-witted and knew how to stand her ground when needed. Sylvia, to some, had a calm and discerning demeanor. To many, she was a brilliant finance manager with the gift of photographic memory recall and she exemplified in her leadership, the highest standards of “excellence without excuse” as God’s servant and hand maiden. She taught us the key word in “Trustee” is “Trust!” She was a powerful prayer warrior and instrumental in bringing many souls to Christ. She gifted many people with her wisdom, her spiritual guidance, scriptural tools, books and bibles conducive to their spiritual growth and development. Sunday, January 5, 2025 we lost a true & faithful servant of God. Sylvia closed her eyes and went home to be with our Lord. She leaves to treasure and continue her legacy, one son Duane Joseph Hailey, one brother, Victor Allen Watson, one sister-in-law Wanda Watson, two aunts Loraine (Rene) Ogburn and Edna Williams, two Granddaughters, Hanna Christine Hailey & Kalanai, three Grandsons, Duane Jr, Brooklyn, & Elijah, two Great-Granddaughters, Alani Skye Hailey & Isla Ree Gatlin, one Great-Grandson,Kaiden Joseph Hailey, special daughter Kathryn Hailey, spiritual mother, Merl Chavis, special sister Lynnee Porter, special brother Michael Porter (her forever adjutant) and a host of other family and friends.