Sylvia Meredith

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Mrs. Sylvia Meredith, who departed this life on March 14, 2025, at the age of 72. A devoted mother, doting grandmother and great-grandmother, loving sister, and dear aunt, she was the heart and soul of our family. Her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love touched everyone she met, leaving an everlasting mark on our lives.

Born on August 1, 1952, in Saginaw, Michigan, Sylvia was the cherished daughter of the late Willie Lee and Louise George. From an early age, she embodied warmth and generosity, always placing family at the center of her world. She carried these values throughout her life, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and treasured memories.

On April 28, 1975, she married the love of her life, the late Robert Meredith. Together, they built a partnership rooted in love and mutual devotion, weathering life’s storms with grace and celebrating its joys with gratitude. Their journey was one of unwavering support, shared dreams, and an unbreakable bond that served as an inspiration to all who knew them.

As a mother, Sylvia was a guiding light, a steady hand, and a wellspring of unconditional love. Her daughters—Sylvia Rene Williams of Dallas, Texas; Felicia Mae (Dennis) Cotton; and Robin Lashon (Murray) Fentress, both of Saginaw, Michigan—were the greatest joys of her life. She took immense pride in their accomplishments, always offering encouragement and love. Her nurturing heart extended further as a grandmother and great-grandmother, delighting in her grandchildren—Dennis Wayne Jr. (Bria) Cotton of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Deshonna “Pooh” Rasco; DeWayne Antè (Y’Vennia) Cotton; and Ciara Lashon “Cece” Fentress, all of Saginaw, Michigan—and her great-grandchildren, Dominic and Karson Cotton of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Brooklyn Cotton and Legend Gaddy, both of Saginaw, Michigan. She showered them with boundless love, wisdom, and the warmth of her embrace.

Sylvia was also a beloved sister to Barbara Fleming and Dellia Williams, both of Saginaw, Michigan; Relinda Bradley of Orlando, Florida; and Marcelene (Willie) Culberson of Lansing, Michigan. She was a caring aunt to many nieces and nephews, always offering an open heart and a listening ear. Her presence was a source of comfort and strength, exemplifying the power of family and the depth of her love.

Sylvia’s life was a testament to resilience, faith, and love. She graduated from Ruben Daniels Life Learning Center and built a dedicated career in the medical field, retiring from Shattuck Manor. Beyond her family and work life, she found immense joy in studying the Word of God and encouraging others to walk in their purpose. She was a faithful member of New Life Baptist Church, where she served on the hospitality board under the leadership of Pastor Craig Tatum and the late Pastor Rufus Bradley. Her love for God was evident in the way she lived, always extending kindness, generosity, and a gentle spirit to those around her.

Sylvia leaves to cherish her memory her three daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; sisters, her dear sisters-in-law, Annie Packard, Jeanette Anderson, and Lovie Manzie; and a special cousin, Tanya Feltson.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 50 years, Robert Meredith; her parents, Willie Lee and Louise George; mother in-law Lizzie Anderson; her sisters, Minnie Roby, Bonnie Ruth Gaston, and Freddie Mae Tillman; her brothers, Sylvester George and James George; her brothers-in-law, Pastor Rufus Bradley Sr. and Deacon James Fleming; and her niece, Natasha Frazier.

Though our hearts ache in her absence, we find comfort in the love she gave so freely and the legacy she leaves behind. Her spirit will live on in the lessons she taught, the love she shared, and the countless lives she touched.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Ivan E. Phillips, and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel, Lorane Dorsey, Bria Cotton, Pastor Craig Tatum, and the New Life Church Family for their compassionate care and support.