On September 11, 2025 Sylvia Jean Plummer Thomas transitioned gently into the hands of the Lord. She lived mightily for 84 years, served her community well and raised a strong family. Proverbs, Chapter 31, verses 10-31 describes how she lived her life as a virtuous woman of noble character. She was a hardworking, industrious, wise, kind, generous, compassionate, prudent, discerning, trustworthy, dignified, and god-fearing woman.

Sylvia was born to Despert McKinley Plummer and Vera Candis Guy Plummer on April 4, 1941 in Halifax County, North Carolina. She was the firstborn of the eight children born of the union between Mac and Vera.

She was raised from an early age in the historically black community of Turner Station, Maryland. Sylvia attended Fleming Elementary School where she excelled academically and socially. Later she attended Bragg Elementary to complete her primary education. She attended Sollers Point Junior and Senior High School where she continued to excel. At Sollers Point she was crowned the May Day Festival Queen and Prom Queen. She distinguished herself academically and attended college preparatory classes. She completed her high school studies in June of 1959.

After high school she attended Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland where she studied linguistics. In 1961, she joined the Alpha Gamma chapter of the illustrious sisterhood of Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated. In 1964 she completed her studies at Morgan State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a Major in Spanish and Minor in French. On May 9, 1992, Sylvia earned a Masters Degree in Education from East Carolina University.

She was an educator, mentor, administrator and ambassador. She developed a passion for genealogy research and became the Guy-Burgess-Plummer family historian. Her career in education spanned over 40 years, teaching and mentoring students in Baltimore County, Maryland; Halifax, Nash, Wake, Edgecombe, Craven, Onslow, Pitt, Mecklenburg, and finally in Union County, North Carolina. Her career highlights include her travels to Mexico, Japan and Ecuador making friends everywhere she went. She also achieved leadership roles as High School Principal for Southeast Halifax High School, Wake Forest-Rolesville High School and as the first African-American Principal at Monroe High School, finally retiring in 2004.

Sylvia married Wilbert Clarence Thomas, Jr on November 23, 1962 at 548 New Pittsburgh Avenue, Turner Station, Maryland. Their union produced her surviving five children: Sherrie Monique Suitt, Shaunne Nicole Thomas, Steven Dominick Thomas, Sterling Roderick Thomas, and Sheila Denise White. Their spouses: Michael Suitt, Annette Thomas, Joneis Thomas, and Rodney White. A host of grandchildren: Marcelus Ray Jones, Alexis Danielle Young (spouse Kyle Young), Steven Dominic Thomas, Tali Julius Thomas, Corvid McKinley Thomas, John Jackson Thomas, and Eric Rodney White; and great grands: Angel Rhoades, Emmanuel Jones, Sa'Kara Jones, Watani Jones, and Houdari Jones.

She is survived by her beloved siblings and spouses: Henry and Eileen Plummer and Valeeta Plummer and Herman Fogus. She is also survived by in-laws Maureen Plummer, Thomas Harris II. She is also survived by a host of wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Sylvia was predeceased by her parents Despert McKinley Plummer and Vera Candis Guy Plummer and adored siblings: Jesse Plummer, Barbara Plummer Pryor, Dr. Carol Plummer Harris, Rosalyn Plummer, and Robert Plummer.

Sylvia Jean Plummer Thomas leaves this world better than she found it. She is greatly missed, but her legacy lives on in the memories shared and the values she instilled in her family, students and loved ones.

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Published by Charlotte Observer from Sep. 17 to Sep. 19, 2025.