Sylvia Jennings Alexander

Sylvia Jennings Alexander, 94, of Esmont, formerly of Washington, D.C., departed this life on Thursday, October 8, 2009, at her residence. She was born on March 20, 1915, in Prince William County, Virginia, a daughter of the late Hugh Franklin and Alice (Butler) Jennings. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, John Cline Alexander; a step daughter, Helen Cain Foster; and a sister, Roberta Barnes. Mrs. Alexander retired as a school teacher with the Fairfax County Public Schools, and after retirement she was a successful business woman. In 1995, she and her husband retired to Esmont, Virginia. She was the oldest living descent of Paul Jennings of James Madison's Montpelier. Survivors include three children, Hugh C. Alexander of Olney, Maryland, Keith J. Alexander of Manassas, and Mary E. Alexander of Esmont; two step children, John F. Alexander of Manassas and Jessie L. Davis of West Covina, California; two grandchildren, Krista Alexander Highter of Portland, Maine and Raphael R. Jenifer of Washington, D.C.; two great-grandchildren, Jonah Jenifer and Khadijah Jenifer; nine step grandchildren; numerous step great-grandchildren, and step-great-great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 1 until 7 p.m. Sunday, October 11, 2009, at the residence, 3413 Irish Road in Esmont. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Southern Albemarle Family Practice, 2256 Irish Road, Esmont, VA 22937; or to the Scottsville Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 550, Scottsville, VA 24590. Thacker Brothers Funeral Home in Scottsville is handling the arrangements.