Sylvia Jean Thomas

1941 - 2025

Mrs. Sylvia Jean Thomas passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025, in Tega Cay, South Carolina, at the age of 84.

Born on April 4, 1941, in Halifax County, North Carolina, Sylvia was the first of eight children born to Despert McKinley Plummer and Vera Candis Guy Plummer. She was raised in the historic Turner Station community in Maryland, where she began her education at Fleming and Bragg Elementary Schools. She went on to attend Sollers Point Junior and Senior High School, where she was crowned May Day Festival Queen and Prom Queen, graduating in June 1959.

Sylvia pursued higher education at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, where she studied linguistics and joined the Alpha Gamma chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Spanish with a minor in French in 1964. Later, she earned a Master's Degree in Education from East Carolina University in 1992.

Her career in education spanned over four decades across multiple counties in Maryland and North Carolina. She served as a teacher, mentor, administrator, and ultimately as principal at Southeast Halifax High School, Wake Forest-Rolesville High School, and Monroe High School-where she became the first African-American principal. She retired in 2004. Sylvia also traveled to Mexico, Japan, and Ecuador during her career, forming lasting friendships abroad. A passionate genealogist, she served as the Guy-Burgess-Plummer family historian.

On November 23, 1962, Sylvia married Wilbert Clarence Thomas, Jr. Their union brought five children: Sherrie Monique Suitt, Shaunne Nicole Thomas, Steven Dominick Thomas, Sterling Roderick Thomas, and Sheila Denise White; along with their spouses and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings Henry (Eileen) Plummer and Valeeta (Herman Fogus) Plummer; in-laws Maureen Plummer and Thomas Harris II; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings Jesse Plummer, Barbara Plummer Pryor, Dr. Carol Plummer Harris, Rosalyn Plummer, and Robert Plummer.

Sylvia Jean Thomas leaves behind a legacy of education, leadership, and love that will continue to inspire generations to come.