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Sylvia Sessoms Obituary

HAMPTON - Sylvia 'Candy' Sessoms slipped peacefully into eternal rest on June 26, 2007, at her home. She was the daughter of the late Permelia A. Mann and Everette Sessoms and stepdaughter of the late William E. Mann Sr. Candy, as she was known by many, grew up in Richmond, Va., moving to Tidewater in her early teens. After graduation in 1963 from Booker T. Washington High School, Norfolk, Va., she enrolled in the freshman class at Hampton (Institute) University graduating with a degree in languages in 1967. She began her teaching career in Elm City, N.C. Returning to Hampton, Va., she joined the Hampton City School System as an English teacher. When Phoebus High School opened in 1975, she was one of the initial faculty members where she remained until she retired in 2001 with over 30 total years of teaching. Those she leaves to cherish her memory are her loving brother, William E. Mann Jr.; her niece, Gabrielle S. Mann; several aunts, uncles, cousins, a wealth of friends and her beloved 'Daniel and Yum-Yum.' A memorial service will be held noon Saturday at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, 2515 Marshall Ave., Newport News. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions sent in memory of Sylvia Yvonne Sessoms, family name: William Mann Jr. to the American Cancer Society, 11835 Canon Blvd. Suite A102, Newport News, VA 23606. Metropolitan Funeral Service, Granby St. Chapel, is in charge. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.metropolitanfuneralservice.com.

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Published by Daily Press on Jun. 29, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Sylvia Sessoms

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Jeff Allen

July 3, 2025

A genuinely kind person. Continue to rest in peace...
Jeff Allen PHS Class of 78

A. Matthews

June 23, 2024

...I still hold ip a candle to your memory whenever someone speaks of you

A. Marie

June 23, 2021

A special person and now a special angel who loved, lived, and treated everyone as a special friend...I do think of her often. Her life touched so many and so many were blessed my having her in their lives.

Erika McCallister

December 9, 2007

I was devastated to know that Ms. Candy has gone on. Heaven has received a new angel. My love goes out to all her family and friends. Ms. Candy touch my heart with her love and zeal for life, I will always cherish our sweet memories and pictures. You are at peace now. May God bless this family with love and comfort.

Sheryl Mills

September 12, 2007

I am devastated to know my friend is no longer here with me. I love you Candy and I will miss you terribly. I felt your absence and have been searching for months to prove my feelings were wrong. I am glad I was unable to see you when I came to town is Feb.and my son was privledged to spend time with you. Keep heaven jumping sista!

Randolph Family

July 6, 2007

Candy, your zeal for life, your hospitality, and love for others will be missed.
Yahweh is not forgetful to remember your labour love in his son's name Yeshua (Jesus).

Clarence F. Nelson, Jr.

July 6, 2007

The Olympic Social Club ("PICS") and Phyllis Wheatley Literary were brother and sister social clubs. George Privott and I were her favorite "Minor Lumphs", so she always told us! Through the OSC, we were friends since 1966. Candy was also the PICS' featured Mother's Day Tea artist (guitarist) in 1967. She was cool. We surely miss her. May GOD continue to bless her, the Sessoms- Mann Family, and all who knew and loved her.

Eddie Vincent
Bennie Shaw
Lloyd N. Clunie, Sr.
Howard "Skip" Dates
John "Ook- Daddy" Dimp Owens
Rex Holder
George W. Privott
Wallace "Wally Dog" Hayes
Artemus Robinson
Brent Johnson
Clarence F. Nelson, Jr.
OLYMPIC SOCIAL CLUB- 12/10/66

Steve & Florence Sutton (PHS 82 & 84)

July 5, 2007

We were saddened to hear the news of the passing of Ms. Sessoms. We both were students at Phoebus High School and she truly made a difference in our lives. We've maintained contact over the twenty plus years after leaving Phoebus and Ms. Sessoms always had good words to give us about live and it's many challenges. She will be dearly missed, however, we celebrate in knowing she was living her life for Christ. May God continually bless the family during this time of loss.

Vickey Drew

July 5, 2007

Ms. Sessoms,
I will always remember Ms. Sessoms as we called her, as the R/A, for Virginia Cleveland Hall freshman women class of 1971. May God give her family strength during their loss.
Vickey Drew

Brenda Scott

July 3, 2007

Candy and I were classmates at Hampton and recently she kept me informed of the "Hampton Happenings".
She was a wonderful lady who loved life and had a lot of courage. Heaven has gained another "Angel".

Kim Johnson

July 3, 2007

I had the rare opportunity to be taught by Ms. Sessoms and come back to Phoebus and work with her. She made learning fun and taught me things that I will carry with me throughout life. She was always very outspoken and stood up for what she believed. Even through her period of illness, she continued to give of herself and her experiences to help others. I will definitely miss her but I know that her spirit will live forever. May God bless the family and comfort you during this difficult time.

betty davis-bivins

July 2, 2007

Candy and I go way back and I only just reunited w/ her briefly @ our 40th Class Reunion for which I am grateful for the opportunity. She will be missed and my prayers are w/ her family.

Pat Vaughan

July 2, 2007

I worked with the sassy, loving, fun caring, "Miss Candy-Girl" I will always recall the wonderful proms, pep rallies/spirit days, and just good old fashion fun we had together. I will miss you greatly. Take your well deserved rest with our Lord and Saviour Jesus.
Lovingly
Pat Vaughan and family

Carol Smith

July 2, 2007

Candy will be missed for her great kindness, quick humor and joy. I am glad to say that her light did shine bright. She will be missed dearly by all who was blessed to know her. My deepest condolances.

Artise Matthews

July 1, 2007

Candy has a new address. The earthly address with all its pains and problems, does not exist any more. Candy has moved on up to a gated mansion address, where the streets are paved in gold. She is welcomed by all the angels in white and crowned with jewels and precious pearls. You Go girl! You know you are SUPER BAD, now. Free from pain, no more heart aches, and no more bad hair days. Rest on, in your mansion, on your street of gold. I will miss you here. But, I can't wait to be invited in your gated community of many mansions. For Our Father said, I go to prepare a Place for you and Where I go you may come, too. I thank the Father for His New home address for my darling Candy. I hope I will be your neighbor. We thank God you were part of our lives here.
Love, Artise, Omar, Tamika and Silk.

holly brock

July 1, 2007

i was never taught by ms sessom's directly but she alway's spoke kind word's to all student's who crossed her door and many student's have wonderful thing's to say of her. sorry for you'r loss.

Tonia Williams

July 1, 2007

To the family of Ms. Candy as I called her. Candy was the best teacher that I had at Phoebus. I am sad to hear that she's no longer here, But I am overjoyed knowing that she's with the "Almighty God " and is no longer suffering. May God's love strenghten, and keep you in your time of sorrow.

Janice Oxendine-Smith

July 1, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Diana Fisher

June 30, 2007

My prayes goes out to Mrs Sessoms family. She was one of the best teachers @phoebus

Georgia Scott

June 30, 2007

Dear Family,
I will miss Candy. I will always remember the acts of kindness she showed my family and me. It was a pleasure knowing her and I hope the wonderful memories you have of her will help to ease the pain of your loss. May Jehovah God give you the strength you need at this difficult time, and I hope you find comfort in knowing that he is never far off from those who love him.

Todd Bullock

June 30, 2007

My deepest condolences go out to Candy's family. I will always remember Candy for her wonderful smile and nonstop energy. She was also my favorite babysitter when I was growing up. I will miss you Candy.

Chrystal Wilkins Murphy

June 30, 2007

Words can not express the impact that this beautiful person had on me and my entire family! We could always rely on Candy being there for us at every family event. She and my sister are very good friends and I always saw her as a big sister figure in my life. Her smile, wit and laugh will never be forgotten...I am so sorry she had to leave but God's plan is always best! My prayers to Billy and the family. Finally, rest & peace for my sweet sister... Always, from the Wilkins' clan (Peach Street, Portsmouth)

Sandra Stewart

June 30, 2007

Thank you Candy for sharing your warmth and sweet smile. We remember lots of laughter at the BOS Family Reunion in Virginia Beach. God has blessed us with your presence. May He keep you at peace.
With Much Love From
BOS Family Reunion Boston 2005

Anthony Mack

June 29, 2007

I was deeply hurt when I learned of the passing of Ms. Sessoms. Ms. Sessoms was so very good to me during my time at Phoebus and even after. During her sickness I would call to encourage and pray with and for her, and sometimes it would seem like I left with more encouragement then I ever could have imparted to her. I pray for the loved ones that she has left behind. It is my sincere desire that the Peace of God, which surpasses all knowledge and understanding would guard your hearts and minds through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
-Anthony J. Mack

Vivian Daughtry

June 29, 2007

Dear Family,
I was a teacher at Phoebus High with Candy. She was always a free spirit and full of fun. She loved her students and she loved her family. She will be greatly missed. May you be comforted by the hope of the resurrection.

Tricia Casey

June 29, 2007

She was my favorite teacher. She was not only a great teacher, she was a great mentor. Because of her I met one of my best freinds. She always found the good within the bad and many of us from Phoebus can attest to this. She will be truly missed. God Bless to the family.

Judith -Oxendine Kinch

June 29, 2007

To the Sessoms & Mann Families:
How sorry we were to hear of your death. I will always remember your smile, spunk & inner beauty. How we will miss you not coming to the Family reunion.
We will keep the Family in our Prayers. Your Cousin, Judy Oxendine-Kinch & the Blount-Oxendine- Sessoms Reunion Family

Sherrill McMillan

June 29, 2007

I pray God's peace and grace to Candy's family. She was such a sweerheart with magnificant courage. We commend her into the safety and arms of the Almighty God.

Patricia Allen McGill

June 29, 2007

God bless your family. Candy was a special lady and lot of fun.

Randy Randolph

June 29, 2007

Candy was a delightful person. She was thoughtful and kind beyond measure. It was a privilege to know and interact with her. She is grievously missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives she enriched.

Diana "Minkie" Williams-Freeman

June 29, 2007

I am so sorry for your loss. She was one of the best English Teachers at Phoebus High. I will always have fond memories or her smile and laughter

June 29, 2007

I taught at Phoebus at the same time as Candy. She was always kind and helpful and so much fun. I'll miss her.
Pat Walsh

Monica Stokes

June 29, 2007

My greatest sympathy goes out to the family of the beloved Ms. Sessoms. She was my favorite teacher in my younger school age years. She was not only a great teacher, she was a great mentor. I will cherish the good times and the wonderful memories that I personally was able to share with her. I, along with the many people that have gotten the chance to cross paths with Ms. Sessoms will miss her.

CoCintheane Hutchison

June 29, 2007

My dear sweet Candy, U were the best and my favorite. Many were great and you excelled them all. Your smile and spirit motivated us all to do and be our best. In my classrooms now, I strive to be just like you. I think that is why so many of my students give me super reviews to my dean. I am so thankful for everything from you. I loved all of our talks, visits, and emails. My dad and family also thought the world of you. Daddy thought you were the most pretty and fine, remember. You fought a brave fight well and I will miss you. The suffering is over and I love you. Take care Billy [remo our good ol' ODU days] and baby Gab [Candy talked about you ALL of the time]. Rest now, sweet Candy. Much Luv 2 U, CoCo

Suzanne Gwathmey

June 29, 2007

Make room Heaven, your Classy & Sassy Angel has arrived! Sylvia, we will miss you so very much. Thanks for being a MAJOR influence on my life!
I Love You!
Suzanne Boone Gwathmey

Denita dixon

June 29, 2007

My heart goes out to the Sessoms and Mann family. Ms. Sessoms will truly be missed. She was a sweet and kind teacher @ Phoebus High School. May God bless you and always remember Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

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