Norfolk City Virginia USGenWeb Archives Obituaries.....Stephenson, Sylvia Alexandra November 2003
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Virginian-Pilot, The (Norfolk, VA) - Monday, November 24, 2003 
Sylvia Alexandra Stephenson was the only child of the late Harold and Lillian
Van Arkadie Stephenson. Born in Norfolk on Dec. 22, 1945, she attended Norfolk
Public Schools and graduated with honors from Booker T. Washington High School.
She attended Virginia State College (University) and earned a Bachelor of
Science degree in 1967. Continuing her matriculation, she received a Master of
Education degree in 1979. Sylvia was a gifted soprano soloist in several choral
groups in which she held membership.

Shortly after her return to Norfolk, she and others assisted I. Sherman Greene
in the creation of the I. Sherman Greene Chorale. As a charter member, she was a
reliable, committed and fastidious chorister who demonstrated exuberance in
fulfilling the mission of the Chorale - a role she maintained throughout the
years. She was a featured soloist in requiems by Brahms and Verdi and Handel's
Messiah. Sylvia possessed a celestial voice. A true songbird, she was a pillar
of strength in every soprano section she graced and was committed to offering
her talent and skill to enrich the lives of others.

Sylvia organized the first youth choir at Grace Episcopal Church, Norfolk, with
enthusiastic parental support. Moreover, she was a committed volunteer, offering
her artistic and musical talents to help enhance many events. She gladly sang at
weddings and funerals of parishioners and friends. An encouraging spirit, she
often identified and mentored budding young singers and urged them to take every
opportunity to sing. As president of the Adult Choir, Sylvia worked diligently
and untiringly to promote and enhance the church's music ministry.

She was a member of the Vestry of Grace Church for two terms. During the search
for a new priest, she served as senior warden and was responsible for much of
the church's administration. Because of her deep concern for the homeless,
Sylvia was instrumental in establishing the Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team at
the church - an outreach program that continues and thrives at Grace. As
demonstrated by her active involvement in the church's 120th Anniversary
Celebration, Sylvia loved Grace Church.

As a teacher for 29 years in Portsmouth Public Schools, she used her talent and
ingenuity to increase students' interest in art. She served as an art teacher
and was subsequently selected to succeed her art supervisor. Sylvia was a
perfectionist and expected her students to excel.

She was a life member of the Virginia Education Association and held memberships
in the Norfolk Chapter of Chums and the Tidewater Chapter, Coalition of 100
Black Women.

Survivors include cousins, Herman Hall Sr. (Olia) and Catherine Wilson;
godmothers, Lucille Layne and Lucille Olds; adopted sister, Beverly Powell;
adopted brother, Carl W. Haywood; adopted cousin, Tracy Brown White; and
numerous relatives, friends and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Grace Church NEST Fund or
to the Grace Episcopal Church Choir Scholarship Fund.

Final rites will be held at noon Tuesday in Grace Episcopal Church. Professional
services are provided by Hale Funeral Home. 

Additional Comments:
Calvary Cemetery

STEPHENSON, SYLVIA A 488 Section 23, Block 23, Lot 254, Space SW COR 57 F 11/25/2003

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