Sylvia Y. Spence

Sylvia Yolande Spence – A Woman of Virtue
"There is nothing ahead of you that is bigger or stronger than the power of God behind you."
For the past several days, I kept thinking about the best way to honor our beloved Sylvia, my sister-in-law. Then I remembered the last words she said to me: "I believe that God can heal me if that is his will". Then, she asked: "Do you believe in God?". These words capture the essence of who Sylvia was: A woman of great faith, a strong woman, and most important: a woman who embodied hope in the face of adversity. Sylvia was a woman who was utterly at peace with herself. Her personality was filled with kindness and generosity. Above all, she was a true symbol of humility, which allowed her to leave this world a better place. She was truly a virtuous woman.
Hers was a life well lived because she loved her life, and was capable of spreading love. Nothing was more important to her than family. I don't think I have met anyone who loved unconditionally like the love Sylvia had for her two children, Orline and Bernard. Her loving personality overflowed to her siblings and her grandchildren in equal measure. All the children in the family loved their Auntie Sylvia. She also shared her love with two young men who adopted her as their mom: Lynell Bridges and Densworth Porter. When it comes to family, Sylvia had no hesitation to lend her support when we needed it. In short, she always showed up. Her ability to show love to others even in times of personal adversity is a lesson to us all and proves that the greatest epitaph is to leave this world a better place than the way you found it.
I found Sylvia to be very intelligent and a true visionary. She embraced learning and had an extended vocabulary. I remember asking Sylvia to read one of the first articles I published. After reading, she said to me: Glenys, this is really good, but only people like you and I can understand it. When I ask her why? She politely replied: "too many big words. The average reader can't understand it." And then we both burst into laughter. That was Sylvia: always ready with tough love advice. I took that advice to heart in my future writing projects and it has served me well in my career to this day.
Looking at her life, I must say that it is an inspiration for all of us. It gives us a lesson on how to live with a deep sense of commitment and duty for your family and to sacrifice for the sake of making the lives of your children better than yours. She was indeed a shining example of how to live in the face of challenge and adversity.
Sylvia Yolande Spence, affectionately known as "Ulan" was born to parents Samuel and Elista Spence on March 18, 1957. She was the of 12th of 14 children and grew up with her family in Questelles, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. She immigrated to the United States in 1977 where she later raised her two beautiful children, Orline Houston and Bernard Alexis.
In her early education she attended the Kingstown Roman Catholic School and later, the St. Vincent Intermediate High School. She also pursued a nursing career in New York and completed course work towards a Nursing Degree.
Sylvia had many professional interests. She answered the call of nursing and served in that profession. But at heart, Sylvia had an entrepreneurial gift. She was a great saleswoman who knew how to make a deal. Above all, she had the gift of spirituality.
Sylvia was a committed Christian, and that commitment led to her serving her God and her church in many areas of ministry. She became a member of the Pentecostal Family Church where she served. God shall reward her for her diligence, hard work and commitment.
Sylvia loved to read and was an avid reader of the classics as well as modern literature. Zora Neale Hurston and Maya Angelou were among her favorite authors. Of course, she dedicated a significant portion of her time to reading the scriptures, and praying and interceding on behalf of her family and especially her children and grandchildren.
On July 28th, 2022, Sylvia took her last breath and went home to be with her Lord. Although she will be terribly missed, we take comfort that she is now in the presence and in the arms of her Jesus.
Sylvia leaves to cherish her memory her children: Orline Houston and Bernard Alexis; daughter-in-law, Sharrel Alexis; son-in-law, Nathaniel A Houston, her grandchildren: Nia Houston, Brett Houston, Branden Jeremiah Alexis, Sean Samuel Alexis, brothers, Kirjath Spence and Carlisle "Mozis" Spence; sisters, Jacqueline Charles and Laverne Moore; nieces, Caliese Rodriguez, Quianna Balogun, Nakeya Spence, Octavia Spence; Kareema Spence; nephews, Terence Spence, Andre "Raffique" Glasgow, Gregory Moore, Jamal Spence, Quadir Spence. Finally, her two adopted sons: Lynell Bridges and Densworth Porter, and a host of family and friends including her Church family at Pentecostal Family Church.
Although this is an incredibly difficult time, Sylvia's life reminds me not to feel sorrow for her death, but instead to feel grateful that her presence has blessed our lives. We are all better people today because SHE was part of all our lives.
I will leave you with this last thought.
Tell your friends and family you love them more times than you think they should hear it, especially if you think they already know. I never got to tell Sylvia just how important she was to me, although I know in my heart, she felt it. So, let us learn to appreciate the good times with our loved ones and to love them unconditionally as Sylvia loved us.
Rest in everlasting peace our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.