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Sylvia Davis Obituary
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Born in Fairmont, NC, on August 1, 1938, Sylvia lived a full and joyful life.
A graduate of Dixon High School (Class of 1956) and Miller-Motte Business College (1957), Sylvia earned a stenographic secretarial degree that led to a long and distinguished career at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base. Over the years, she served at NIS, Base Housing, Camp Lejeune School System, and ultimately retired in 1996 as secretary to the Commander of the Naval Hospital. She was recognized with numerous awards and certificates of excellence throughout her career. She was fondly nicknamed " Sergeant Major" by her colleagues for her dedication, attention to detail and her ability to keep everything- and everyone-in line!
Sylvia was married to the love of her life, Dr. N. Gerald Davis. Together they shared 52 years of marriage, enjoying family vacations at Lake Waccamaw, White Lake, Snowshoe, the Nantahala River, and Surf City Beach, as well as countless gatherings with friends and loved ones.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, Jennerson Lennon Brown and Geneva Atkinson Brown of Bolton, NC; her brothers J.L. Brown, Jerry Brown (Aggie) of Delco, NC, and Atlas Brown (Becky) of Jacksonville, NC; and her great-grandson, Davis Michael Hardin of Jacksonville, NC.
She is survived by her devoted brother, Chesley Brown (Vivian) of Columbia, SC; her loving children, Deborah "Dee Dee" Dill (Andrew) of Maysville, NC, and Penni Ford of Jacksonville, NC; grandchildren, Dieter Kiessling (Shannon) of Hempstead, NY, Haley Hardin (Joshua) of Maysville, NC, Corrine Mackey (Matthew) of Jacksonville, NC, Petty Officer 2nd Class Brayden Ford of Evin, NY, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Dylan Ford (Katherine) of Port Washington, NY. Sylvia's pride and joy were her great-grandchildren: Cayden, Mason and Bradley Mackey, Scarlett Hardin, Isabella Mackey, and Delilah-Drew Hardin. She also treasured the many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who filled her life with love.
Sylvia will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, love of celebrating every holiday, joy in shopping trips, and laughter-filled summers at Rogers Bay Campground with her dear beach friends. She never met a stranger, and her kind heart left a lasting mark on everyone she encountered.
The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, August 20, 2025 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel.
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