SYLVIA FOSTER-BROWN

THE LIFE OF SYLVIA FOSTER-BROWN

In the morning hours of August 19, 2026, the Lord reached down, took Sylvia’s hand, and gently gave her her wings.

Sylvia Foster was born on July 25, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Shellie M. Foster and Mack Bates. Sylvia was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System. She attended Vaux Middle School and graduated from West Philadelphia High School. She strongly believed in the importance of education and continually encouraged others to further their education and pursue their dreams.

In 1962, Sylvia became a mother to her beloved daughter, Tonya Foster. As a young single mother, Sylvia worked diligently to provide for and care for her family. She worked various jobs throughout her life, including at Temple Dining Hall, where she remained until her retirement. Sylvia was a woman who could always be counted on. She lovingly cared for her mother and her brother, Alfonzo, and later cared for her great-niece Curryn following heart surgery so that she would not have to attend daycare.

HER FAITH AND LOVE FOR THE LORD

At an early age, Sylvia’s mother raised her and her siblings in the church at Salem Baptist Church, where Sylvia was baptized as a young girl.

In June 1988, Sylvia rededicated her life to Christ and joined Tenth Memorial Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend William B. Moore. She was rebaptized and became an active and devoted member of the church until her health began to decline.

Sylvia took Holy Communion very seriously because she understood and appreciated all that the Lord had done for her. She served faithfully on the Senior Usher Board and was always willing to help wherever she was needed. She also participated in the church’s efforts to feed the homeless.

Her favorite Scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6, and her favorite gospel song was “I Won’t Complain.” Sylvia loved the Lord deeply. She loved to dance, and she certainly did not mind praising the Lord!

A HEART OF GOLD

For more than 50 years, Sylvia was a staple in her community. Her home was a place where people knew they could come. Her doors were always open—whether someone needed to hear about the Lord, needed a listening ear, needed a meal, or simply needed someone who cared.

Sylvia truly had a heart of gold. She was a woman who believed in family and worked hard to keep her family connected. She hosted Thanksgiving dinners, holiday gatherings, and game nights in her home, creating memories that will live on for generations.

Sylvia was also an excellent cook. Her family and friends will always remember the delicious meals she prepared, especially her famous collard greens, pig feet, potato salad, and chitterlings. Her cooking was one of the many ways she expressed her love.

Sylvia kept the torch burning and her doors open. She loved her family dearly, and above all, she loved the Lord.

She also held a special love for her boys, Ronald, Ryan, and Yasir.

In 2019, Sylvia’s health began to decline, but her spirit, faith, love, and legacy remained strong.

HER LEGACY OF LOVE

Sylvia was preceded in death by her brothers, Cecil Foster and Ronald Gooslby; her mother, Shellie M. Gooslby; her father, Mack Bates; her husbands, Gregory D. Sudler and Raymond J. Brown; and her sister, Anne L. Dantzler.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories and continue her legacy of love: her one and only daughter, Tonya E. Foster-Williams (Michael E. Williams); her grandsons, Ronald and Ryan Clay; her three stepsons, Kermin Harris Jr., Robert Crisden, and Kenyatta Johnson; her adopted granddaughter, Shawmane Handy; her great-grandsons, Yasir Clay and Elias Clay-Hill; her great-granddaughter, Kimani Dale; her brothers, Obediah Foster (Mildred Foster) and Alfonzo Gooslby; her god sister, Berniece Brown; four nieces and five nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; her goddaughter, Barbara Jones; her best friend of more than 60 years, Carol Scales; good friends Adrienne Hilliard, Mother Margret Haynie, and Delores Thomas; along with many other loving family members and friends.

Sylvia’s life was a testimony of faith, family, service, strength, and unconditional love. She opened her home, shared her food, offered her wisdom, listened to those in need, and showed people what it meant to care for others.

Though she is no longer with us in body, the love she gave, the lives she touched, the meals she prepared, the prayers she prayed, and the memories she created will remain forever.

Her torch has been passed on.

Her work on earth is complete.

Rest well, Sylvia.

You loved the Lord. You loved your family. You loved your community. And you will forever be loved.