Reverend Sylvester John Lewis

Burlington, NC - It is with profound sorrow that we announce the death of Reverend Sylvester John Lewis of 808 South Dale Street, Burlington, NC, who received his wings on Sunday, September 17, 2023; at AuthoraCare Collective Hospice Home in Burlington, North Carolina with his lovely wife, Angelene Long Lewis by his side. Sylvester was the oldest child born to the late Sylvester and Oglessa Lewis on January 18, 1943; at Barnett Memorial Hospital in Paterson, New Jersey.

Sylvester received his early education in the Paterson New Jersey Public School System later, graduating from Central High school June 1960. Shortly afterwards, he was proudly hired at Nabisco, June 1963; as the first African American. Being unstoppable, Sylvester received Honorable Discharge from the United States Army September 1968. He furthered his education by graduating from Seton Hall University May 1977. This caused his career to flourish as an Accountant with Worthington Pump, New Jersey Western Electric, AT&T, Lucent Technologies, and General Dynamics North Carolina, retiring in December 1984. Being skilled and talented in accounting, Sylvester loved numbers and he diligently followed the stock market; encouraging us all to invest.

Accepting Christ at an early age; Sylvester was a member of First AME Zion, in Paterson, New Jersey for 34 years. Upon relocating to Burlington, North Carolina in 1977, he became a member of Saint Matthew's AME and Springdale AME Churches, for many years. Sylvester’s love for the Lord and after “Answering His Call” he became ordained at Blackwell Missionary Baptist Church in Yanceyville, North Carolina; on January 18, 2012. Sylvester was an active and faithful Associate Pastor of New Zion Baptist Church in Milton, North Carolina; under the leadership of Pastor Bradley Matthews, Sr.

Being a community and civil rights advocate throughout his lifetime, Sylvester belonged to the NAACP, Concerned Citizens, Dr. Martin Luther King Coalition, and the Burlington Jaycees. Unsuccessfully running for the County Commissioner Alamance County in 1995;Sylvester’s political bravery also propelled him in a Lawsuit to start up a Ward System in Alamance County, March 1996.

After retirement his favorite pastimes were mentoring the men at the Guilford County Sheriff Department Detention Center. Sylvester was a person of great influence; he impacted the lives of multiple inmates during his time there. He was respectfully referred to by many of his mentees as “PappaDoc”. Sylvester had a gift to inspire, developing a special bond with Ronta Johnson and many others. He loved playing golf; where he was a member of the NC/VA Senior Golf Association and a previous member of the Surfside Golf Club. Sylvester took pride in his participation with tournaments and various fundraisers for worthy causes. Collecting many trophies and plaques over the years.

Reverend Sylvester John Lewis leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife of 20 years, Angelene L. Lewis of the home; his son, Derek Q. McNeil of NJ; his two daughters, Edith Ward, and Camyra Long of NC; one sister, Reverend Oglessa Lewis Gowder of FL; a sister-in-law, Sharon Brandon of MD; a brother-in-law, Marc Long (Farley Dickey) of NC; his seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his four nieces; brotherly friend, Merwyn Snead of NC; devoted “Ride or Die,” Cathy Seafus and his grandson, Haruna Igbokwe; daily phone buddy, Emma “Niecy” Dickerson; and devoted cousin, Dewayne Ethride; and a host of cousins, other relatives; and friends.

A special thank you for your tender care: AuthoraCare, Cone Health, Peak Resources, and VA-Durham.

Public viewing for Reverend Sylvester J. Lewis will be Friday, September 22, 2023; from 2 pm to 7 pm in the John and Juanita S. Fulton Memorial Chapel of Fulton-Walton Funeral Home.

Family visitation viewing for Reverend Sylvester J. Lewis will be Saturday, September 23, 2023; from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Blackwell Missionary Baptist Church, Yanceyville, NC.

Funeral Services for Reverend Sylvester J. Lewis will be conducted 1:00pm Saturday, September 23, 2023; at Blackwell Missionary Baptist Church, Yanceyville, NC.

Interment will follow at Blackwell Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Yanceyville, NC.

You are invited to attend services for Reverend Sylvester J. Lewis virtually by clicking on the following link:

https://www.facebook.com/fultonwaltonfuneralhome/live

Should Live Streaming not be available due to certain conditions resulting from rural location with little to no Broadband connection, no WIFI signal and or little to no cellular coverage, we will record the services of your loved one in its entirety and post a link where you will be able to partake in the services within 48 hours.

*(FACIAL MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL SERVICES)*

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Reverend Sylvester John Lewis, please visit our floral store.