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Sydney MINTER Obituary
She was born in Hampton Roads on April 18, 1949, to Charles Griffin and the late Nora Griffin. She was a lifelong Peninsula resident.
Syd will be deeply missed by her husband of 38 years, Thomas N. "Sonny" Minter Jr.; her sons and daughters-in-law, Jeremy and wife, Melissa, Patrick and wife, Carol, and Christopher, all of the Virginia Peninsula; her father, Charles Griffin; and her brothers, Steve, Brian, Carl and Doug Griffin, all of Kansas.
Syd was a library media specialist at An Achievable Dream Middle and High School. She was very involved at the school, coaching Battle of the Books, sponsoring the National Junior Honor Society, the poetry club, and the school's literary magazine. She loved camping, her bright blue Mustang, teapots, reading and writing adolescent novels, and above all else, her family and friends. Her grandsons, Eli, 2, and Colin, nearly 4, were her pride and joy.
Visitation with the family and viewing will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, at W.J. Smith Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010, at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home, with burial following in Peninsula Memorial Park.
Please leave online condolences at www.wjsmithandsonfh.com
Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sydney MINTER
Amy Condon
October 19, 2020
Sydney, I still remember and think of you every time I drive pass your house. God bless. You are missed a lot! Still pray for your family.
isaiah lucas
November 13, 2010
Once again shocked by the death of our libarian she was oneof the nicest ladies i ever known, always had a smile on her face and in the morning said good morning to everybody :(
kenya bennett
November 3, 2010
i still can't believe that she's gone...i miss you mrs.minter
isaiah lucas
November 3, 2010
I still cant believe shes gone and i miss her so much she was like a second mom and i love her dearly
(isaiah Lucas)
Mike Koeniger
November 2, 2010
Syd was a wonderful person who always had a kind word for everyone. I will miss talking about cars with her or asking her how the weekend at the track was, or about her last trip in the RV. It is sad to know that I will never run into her at Anderson's again, the turkey reuben was one of her suggestions.Syd always encouraged me in my endeavors in education, when I was a substitute she encouraged me to teach, when I was a teacher she encouraged me to work on my masters, when I moved on to being a technology coach she was one of the first to congratulate me. I want her to call me one more time and ask me to help her set up a Photo Story, even though I did it two days ago. She would apologize and I would laugh and tell her I was proud of her for trying out new things. Her library was a wonderful, peaceful place. Sometimes when I would work in there we would have wonderful conversations about students, teaching, books, and family. She loved family and talked about them all the time. She always seemed interested in the exploits of my sons and I loved hearing about her children. I will miss exchanging ideas about YA fiction and honestly I'll just miss her. I will see you again on the other side Syd.
Jeremy Minter
November 1, 2010
I love and miss you deeply Mom. As demonstrated by the writings in this guest book, you were one special lady. I am honored to be your son and full of pride in knowing who you were and what you stood for while here on earth. I know you are in a better place watching over us all.
Cynthia Richardson-Brown
October 31, 2010
To the family of Sydney Minter,
It is with heartfelt sadness that I am reading about the passing of a dear friend. Sydney worked with me at Heritage High School and she truly loved and cared about the students and her co-workers. Most importantly, she loved her family so very much and talked about you all to the point that I felt as if I knew you. You are in my prayers and, if there is anything that I can do, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Najiyyah Abdullah
October 29, 2010
I still can't believe your gone. I've known you since 6th grade. I hope to see you once again, miss you very much!<3 Rest in Paradise Mrs.Minter (:
Deja Bruce
October 28, 2010
R.I.P mrs. minter we will me you so much!!!! luv yhu
Yakima Jordan
October 27, 2010
<3 u mrs.minter you'll always be in my heart and thoughts <3 you u were the best librarian no1 can take ur place. R.I.P.<3
Pete Watkins
October 27, 2010
The world lost a wonderful person known as Sydney Minter. She always had a kind word to say and genuinely was concerned about the students and staff at Achievable Dream. She often stopped by our cafeteria and was eager to have our home style potatoes during teacher's breakfast. Our staff appreciated her visits and she will be sorely missed.
yoqoubie yarabough
October 27, 2010
R.I.P MS.minter you will be missed dearly by all curent,former, and future dreamers
Thomas Wright
October 27, 2010
Ms. Minter will be really missed at An Achievable Dream Middle/High. She gave the best advice about books and always offered a book mark. She always made sure that students were happy with their books. I give my deepest sympathy to the family for the loss of a wonderful women.May she rest in peace
Cassie Prater
October 27, 2010
I had been at ADMHS for about a month. Mrs. Minter came up to me with a blue bag and a beautiful sleeper and told me she was so excited I was expecting a boy, and went on and on with a huge smile on her face about her sons and grandchildren. She loved her family, and truly had a gift with children. I will miss asking her for advice about my son, and her e-mails asking me to send in any of the children's work for her literary magazine. Mrs. Minter you will truly be missed!
Alexandria Adams
October 27, 2010
I was so glad that I got to meet Mrs. Minter. She was a wonderful woman, and she will be missed.
Ruina Senkovich
October 27, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Adrianna Diggs
October 26, 2010
Rest In Peace Mrs. Minter , You Will Truly Be Missed at AADMHS as a Teacher , Librarian , Mentor , and Family Member. We Love You .
Ken (the mailman) Kunkle
October 26, 2010
My condolences to the family, I will miss seeing her in her blue mustang.
October 26, 2010
Dear Sonny:
We were deeply saddened to hear of Sydney's passing, Our Thoughts
and Prayers are with you and your family.
Beverly & Bill Baker
Kennesaw, Georgia
G. Watson
October 26, 2010
It was an honor to have worked with Sydney at Heritage High School. She was truly a gifted and remarkable person who will be greatly missed. Please know that Sydney touched the hearts of everyone that she met. My prayers are with each of you.
Mary Parker
October 26, 2010
I so enjoyed working with Sydney. When she placed her book orders with Library Services, her students were her main concern. She wanted to order books she knew they would read and enjoy. She was a wonderful librarian and caring person. We also enjoyed sharing stories of our grandkids. I count it a blessing to have known Sydney. My condolences to her family. I will keep them in my prayers.
Debbie Shelton
October 26, 2010
It was a pleasure to work with Mrs. Minter at Heritage High School. She will be missed.
Peter and Judy Mercier
October 26, 2010
We extend our sincerest condolences to Patrick, Carol, their children, and the rest of the Minter family.
Horace and Yvonne Edwards
October 26, 2010
Sonny and boys, our sympathy goes out to you and your families. Sydney was a very special person who loved her family so much. She in turn was loved not only by them but also by many others whose lives she touched. Her memory will always have a special place in our hearts.
October 26, 2010
May I express my sincere sympathies to the whole family. I knew Syd from our teaching days together at Huntington Middle School. We shared wonderful discussions about our own children. Last year Syd and I renewed our relationship at Achievable Dream. Syd was a wonderful, warm, soft spoken, kind hearted person. She spoke with such pride of her family and was always such an inspiration in the classroom. She was one of those teachers who was always willing to walk that extra mile for a child. It was my pleasure to know and enjoy her. She will be missed by many. Thank you Syd for making this world a better place. Helen Carpenter
Barbara Dudley
October 26, 2010
In his novel, A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens wrote, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." When I heard of Sydney's passing it was a sad moment, but when I recalled what a wonderful woman she was and how talented she was as a writer, I feel blessed to have known her and worked with her at An Achievable Dream Academy. My prayers are with the family.
Maureen Jackson
October 26, 2010
I write this with a heavy heart. I was one of her students at Dunbar-Erwin. Then when AAD came to Huntington(where I work at)I got a chance to see her and share thoughts with her about the old times. She was such a nice person. My prayers goes out to the family.
Sharney Thomas, AADA
October 26, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Y Green
October 26, 2010
I am sorry to hear about your loss. I worked with Mrs. Minter at Heritage High and I enjoyed the conversations that we had in the work station. I will remember them always. She truly loved her boys and spoke of them often. I will truly miss her. God bless you and your family.
ygreen
t wall
October 25, 2010
rip ms minter
Trilby Lynn
October 25, 2010
Sydney touched many lives as a teacher and librarian. It can be truly said that she made a difference with her creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication. Many will feel the loss of a kind and thoughtful individual. May her loved ones know that she will be remembered with warm thoughts and sadly missed.
Mrs. Jill Wilkinson
October 25, 2010
Syd Minter was a lovely lady, great teacher, wonderful librarian, and a good friend. She taught all of us to see the beauty in life and in others. May God bless and keep you, Syd !
Jimmy Dunn
October 25, 2010
God Bless you, Sydney, and your family! May God be with you always. I remember Sydney from the early "60's" to 1970. She was a very kind person to say the least and one who I will always remember with fond memories.
Danielle Franklin
October 25, 2010
we will miss ms.minter because of how kind she was. I met her when i fist came to ADM&HS and now as a 7th grader im still in shock but we all know shes in a better place and happy there you will be missed ms.minter!!! :,(
tiseana powell
October 25, 2010
rest in peace.you will be missed
shay destinny' taylor
October 25, 2010
missed .,
October 25, 2010
The years that I spent as Syd's teammate were the best of my teaching career. She inspired me to go the extra mile for our students. We creatively fed off of each other in a way that has never since been matched. She knew no boundries as far as her students and loved ones were concerned. She was one of the few truly beautiful spirits left in this world. Sonny, Jeremy, Patrick and Chris(and her grandchildren)- I am sure you are aware that she loved you with all her being....that is the only way she knew to love. I am, very, very reluctanly, saying farewell to my good friend, mentor, and fellow teacher. She will always be an inspiration.
Wendy Baranak
Ari-l Williams
October 25, 2010
Mrs.Minter It just could not stop crying when i heard what happen and i just could not stop thinking about the times you helped me pick out a book .. Mrs.Minter we love you .. Your in a better place .. Your gone but never 4gotten ! <3
Tracy Salmon
October 25, 2010
Sydney was a wonderfully kind human being. I too shared a classroom with her at Heritage HS. She had this calming aura about her.She will be greatly missed.
"Now cracks a noble heart. Good-night, sweet prince(ss);
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
from Hamlet, Horatio, scene ii
Zhane' Watkins
October 25, 2010
Mrs. Minter was a great & helpful women at the school I go to. She was always helping us with out written assignments & projects that we had problems with in the library that I go in everyday. Its not going to be the same without her there when i'm use to seeing her everyday. She will be truly miss by me & others. She's now in a peaceful state.
Curtis Frazier
October 25, 2010
Ms.Minter will always be missed she was an also librarian..I wasnt planned for this because im in sixth grade and only got to see her three times but shes in a better place..
Maria Washington
October 25, 2010
I helped Mrs. Minter plan her son and daughter in law's rehearsal dinner at Point Plaza. She was such a joy to work with. My condolences to her family from our family at Point Plaza Suites.
October 25, 2010
Having had Chris in our class and having Marla as a student of Mrs Minter
Corliss White
October 25, 2010
We here at the Achievable Dream Academy Cafeteria Staff, will miss her sweet face, pleasant smile and wonderful personality tremendously. We will miss her coming down to chat with us as she would when she came to pick up her flavored water and her chocolate milk every day. We will miss her terribly. May God comfort her family and all who was touched by her wonderful presence.She is loved by so many who knew her. Cafeteria Staff (Achievable Dream Middle and High School) Newport News, Virginia
aaliyah mcneil
October 25, 2010
Ms Minter was a great librarian and influnced me to do alot of things. she was always encouraging and helfull to everybody.
May God bless you and we all love you!
Deborah Carter
October 25, 2010
I have been Syd's library assistant for about six years. She was a very kindhearted and giving person. Syd was always there to help the students and staff of An Achievable Dream. We became first time grandmothers one month apart, and we always shared stories,laughs and pictures about our babies. I will miss our American Idol and Dancing with the Stars discussions.:) Syd will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Amanda E. Birch
October 25, 2010
I have very fond memories of Mrs. Minter. I grew up across the street from the Minter family and babysat for the boys. The thing that I remember the most about her is how she was always so positive no matter what she faced. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
anthony brickhouse
October 25, 2010
Sydney has always and forever been a shining light in my life. During her years at the Academy, Sydney inspired everyone to read,read,and read again. You couldn't help loving her. Anyone who loved mustangs are truly wonderful people. Goodbye and God Bless my beloved friend.
Carlton Emblidge
October 25, 2010
Sydney was a great teacher above everything else at our school. She led by example with all the activities she created here and the staff and students will miss her "school spirit" tremendously.
Karen Golden
October 25, 2010
I met Sydney at Huntington Middle School in 1987. I left there after a few years but always followed Sydney with her writing career.She was a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Amy Condon
October 25, 2010
Sydney was such a wonderful person. I will always remember our grandmother to grandmother conversations we shared as neighbors. May God bless Sydney and her family. All of you will be in my thourghts and prayers. May God bring you peace through this difficult time.
Susan Matney
October 25, 2010
Syd was a wonderful colleague and friend. We worked closely together on projects for the students at school, and she was always there with her assistance and support. I will miss her smile and enthusiasm.
Joyce Nelson
October 25, 2010
Sydney and I go way, way back...we belonged to the same swimming pool, and our kids were on the swim team. A classroom teacher at the time, Syd seemed interested in pursuing the library media program, and I remember how happy she was when she made the transition from classroom to library. Time gets away from us all, but Syd and I reconnected one summer at Curves, sweating to the oldies. She never failed to ask how I was, and to share wonderful news of her family. I know for a fact how much she loved her grandchildren! They were her joy! I will miss Sydney and her generous spirit towards others. She knew no strangers. Blessed are those who knew her. Hoping fond memories will bring much comfort to her family and friends.
October 25, 2010
Sydney was a wonderful friend to me for all of the years that I've known her. We met when I came to work at Heritage High School in 2000. We shared a classroom and a lot of the same students at Heritage, and it was Sydney who got me to apply for the library media program at Longwood. I will miss her both as a friend and a colleague.
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