Sylvania Jackson

Sylvania “Renie” Oliver Jackson was born on January 24, 1925, to Benjamin and Peggy Oliver in Mt. Pleasant, FL. She departed this life on September 22, 2023, at her family home in Chester, PA. Sylvania grew up working crops on her family’s land and others’. She met Henry Jackson in Quincy, FL, where they were united in the sacrament of holy matrimony that sustained them for 52 years until Henry’s death on February 6, 1997. They tried sharecropping in Florida but decided that was not the life they wanted to live. Sylvania and Henry left the South and moved to Chester, PA, during the Great Migration, like many other African Americans yearning for a better life and future in the North. Their union was blessed with seven children. They also parented very dear foster children. Sylvania worked for years as a stay-at-home mom and domestic worker. One of her proudest moments was when she opened a licensed daycare in her home and operated it for many years, teaching and nurturing innumerable children in the area with loving care and sharing helpful lessons with parents. Throughout her life, Sylvania was actively involved in her community. She was an avid learner. She strove to maintain a healthy lifestyle for herself, her family, and others. Sylvania was a passionate cook, baker, and an enthusiastic walker. She was also a dedicated church member of St. Luke Community Christian Church in Chester, PA, since 1951. Sylvania leaves to cherish her memories her children Annette Tyler of Chester, PA, Gloriajean Jackson of Chester, PA, Samuel Jackson of Seattle, WA, Carmen Jackson of Chester, PA, Keith Dorsey of Augusta, GA, Troy Jackson of Philadelphia, PA, Lynn Terry of Orlando, FL, and Kevin Turner of Coatesville, PA; grandchildren Marc, Chyrrea, Eric, Amir, Aira, Mahkaea, Kalila, Jared, Henry, John, and Jaken; great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many, many friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry; her children Raymond Jackson, Vicki Rankin, and Michael Turner; her granddaughter Geislaine “Gigi” Jackson; her parents, Benjamin and Peggy Oliver; and her siblings, Jessie Mae, Clara, Ada, Addie, Amy, Nora, George, Curtis, Bristol, and Hayward.

Sylvania Jackson

January 24, 1925 - September 22, 2023