Sylvia-Woods-Obituary

Sylvia Woods

Obituary

NEW YORK (AP) - Sylvia Woods, founder of the famed Harlem soul food restaurant that carries her name and was a must-stop for locals, tourists and politicians, has died. She was 86.

Woods died Thursday afternoon at her home in Mount Vernon, N.Y., said her granddaughter Tren'ness Woods-Black. She had been dealing with Alzheimer's disease for the past few years.

Woods and her husband Herbert, natives of South Carolina who met as children, started Sylvia's Restaurant in 1962. The restaurant became a Harlem fixture, with tourists and locals coming there for cornbread, ribs, collard greens, fried chicken and other staples of Southern cooking. Politicians made frequent visits while on the campaign trail.

One of those politicians, Rep. Charles Rangel, said he celebrated his recent victory in the Democratic primary for Congress at the restaurant, which is in his district and which he described as "a magical place that brought the community together."

"Ms. Sylvia created a special place on Lenox and 127th street. Sylvia's may have been famous nationally and internationally, but its soul has always remained in Harlem," he said. "Nothing can replace its founder, but her legacy will live on in the memories she helped make."

Rev. Al Sharpton said Sylvia's was "more than a restaurant, it has been a meeting place for Black America." He said he had dined there with many famous faces including President Barack Obama and Caroline Kennedy.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg said, "We lost a legend today. For more than 50 years, New Yorkers have enjoyed Sylvia's and visitors have flocked to Harlem to get a table. In her words, the food was made with 'a whole lot of love' and generations of family and friends have come together at what became a New York institution."

From its start as a restaurant, Sylvia's has grown to include multiple cookbooks and a nationwide line of food products.

Woods-Black said the restaura nt, marking its 50th anniversary in August, is more than just a place to eat, that it's a place where her grandmother could express her hospitality, a tradition that following generations have maintained.

"If you come alone, you're never going to dine alone," she said.

Woods-Black said her grandmother had officially stepped down from running the restaurant when she was 80, leaving it in the hands of her children and grandchildren.

She said funeral arrangements were still being finalized.

Herbert Woods died in 2001.

DEEPTI HAJELA
Associated Press


Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Guest Book

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In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

May she rest in peace. God bless all the family and friends. I'm sure that she was a great person.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family. May she rest in peace.

may she rest in peace.

Mrs.Woods, was a lady that brought joy to those of us who have a copy of her cookbook. When I make one of her recipes, it's as though she is there with you. Through her stories in her book she cameto life. I hope she is resting in the Lord's presence. May God continue to BLESS her family and friends!

Slyvia's Resturant is a legend that will not be forgotten.I hope this precious family will keep this wonder of the world going.

Dear Mrs. Woods rest in peace and may the peace of God be with you always.
I'll see you when I got home (heaven).

I think that was sad she past but she's in a better place and gets to rest in peace

Happy homecoming for her sad times for those who miss her, happy memories be with you all. I never had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Woods, but I did have the pleasure of eating in her resturant many years ago and I have an autographed copy of her cookbook. Everyone who has the chance to taste the Red Velvet cake recipe always wants more and or the recipe, so many great recipes and interesting facts in that book

Our hearts go out to all of you during the lost of your dear and sweet Mother. Cousin Sylvia has indeed left a legacy for all of you. She was truly a great cook and we will always remember the family reunions we shared together. May God continue to keep and bless all of you with love in a very special way. The memories will last forever.