Obituary for SYLVESTER SMITH
Sylvester Smith was born on February 5, 1951 in Osceola, Arkansas. He was the seventh of nine children born to Talmadge and Jessie Mae Smith, Sr. He was home schooled and trained by his mother along with his siblings due to his developmental disability. Despite his special needs, he was an engaging, loving child with a huge personality. He was always happy, very neat and exceptionally smart. Contrary to his disability, he possessed a “can do” attitude. As he grew and matured he was an inspiration to many because of his determination. Sylvester never met a stranger. He was out going, loved music and anything with a motor that made noise. Among his favorite things were airplanes, helicopters, police cars, motorcycles and fire trucks . He was also very inquisitive.
Following the passing of Sylvester’s mother his father became his primary caretaker. At the age of 29, he and his father moved to Columbus, Ohio to live with his sister Ruby, her husband Paul Keith and niece Paula who was more like a little sister. Sylvester loved his family. Moving to Columbus brought him closer to his other siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins in Cleveland and Columbus. It was also in Columbus that he was introduced to ARC Industries, structured programs, activities and met many new friends. At ARC Industries he became an assembler, excelled and earned some income. What became humorous was the fact that he enjoyed watching airplanes and socializing so much that his income was always minimal. Sylvester was raised in a Christian home and was introduced to the Lord at an early age. After moving to Columbus he began to attend the Way of Holiness Church as a result of participating in their day program. He was baptized under the leadership of Bishop Christine McGhee and later became an honorary member of Gospel Lighthouse Church. He also became involved in Goodwill Industries once becoming a resident of Heinzerling Developmental Center. Sylvester felt at home moving to Heinzerling. Leaving the Edwards’ home was met with excitement due to the continuous interaction that Heinzerling afforded him. He loved being a part of every activity. He was affectionately known as “Boo and Buddy”. The staff loved him and he loved them. There was never a dull moment with Sylvester. He enjoyed being active until his health began to fail. He never wasted any energy. Even on days when he wasn’t feeling well, “if he had the energy, he used it”. Singing was his passion and utilizing his microphone. His favorite spot was the nurse’s station where he would sing, get candy and receive accolades from the staff. He also loved playing his harmonica.
On Monday, February 1, 2021 Sylvester peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord while the song, “Angels Keep Watching Over Me and Thank You Lord” quietly played in the back ground. His sister Ruby was at his side. Sylvester is predeceased by his loving parents, Talmadge and Jessie Mae Smith, Sr.; Siblings, Frankie Brown, Bernice Smith and Mary Sims. He leaves to cherish precious memories, Devoted siblings; Talmadge (Dianne) Smith Jr., Ruby Jean (Paul Keith) Edwards, Ralph E. (Darlene) Smith, Vivian Kyle, Melvin (Stacy) Smith and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will be profoundly missed.
Following the passing of Sylvester’s mother his father became his primary caretaker. At the age of 29, he and his father moved to Columbus, Ohio to live with his sister Ruby, her husband Paul Keith and niece Paula who was more like a little sister. Sylvester loved his family. Moving to Columbus brought him closer to his other siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins in Cleveland and Columbus. It was also in Columbus that he was introduced to ARC Industries, structured programs, activities and met many new friends. At ARC Industries he became an assembler, excelled and earned some income. What became humorous was the fact that he enjoyed watching airplanes and socializing so much that his income was always minimal. Sylvester was raised in a Christian home and was introduced to the Lord at an early age. After moving to Columbus he began to attend the Way of Holiness Church as a result of participating in their day program. He was baptized under the leadership of Bishop Christine McGhee and later became an honorary member of Gospel Lighthouse Church. He also became involved in Goodwill Industries once becoming a resident of Heinzerling Developmental Center. Sylvester felt at home moving to Heinzerling. Leaving the Edwards’ home was met with excitement due to the continuous interaction that Heinzerling afforded him. He loved being a part of every activity. He was affectionately known as “Boo and Buddy”. The staff loved him and he loved them. There was never a dull moment with Sylvester. He enjoyed being active until his health began to fail. He never wasted any energy. Even on days when he wasn’t feeling well, “if he had the energy, he used it”. Singing was his passion and utilizing his microphone. His favorite spot was the nurse’s station where he would sing, get candy and receive accolades from the staff. He also loved playing his harmonica.
On Monday, February 1, 2021 Sylvester peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord while the song, “Angels Keep Watching Over Me and Thank You Lord” quietly played in the back ground. His sister Ruby was at his side. Sylvester is predeceased by his loving parents, Talmadge and Jessie Mae Smith, Sr.; Siblings, Frankie Brown, Bernice Smith and Mary Sims. He leaves to cherish precious memories, Devoted siblings; Talmadge (Dianne) Smith Jr., Ruby Jean (Paul Keith) Edwards, Ralph E. (Darlene) Smith, Vivian Kyle, Melvin (Stacy) Smith and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will be profoundly missed.