Sylvia E. Landy-Milledge

 Sylvia was born on December 11, 1949 in Brookline, Massachusetts to Ben T. and Selma Landy. She was the second oldest of 3 children. Sylvia discovered the Lord at a very young age and enjoyed attending church with her family. As a young child she received her education in the public schools of Massachusetts. She attended Patrick T. Cambell Jr. High School followed by Jeremiah E. Burke High School. Before graduating high school Sylvia’s family relocated to Bronx, New York where she completed and graduated from Morris High School in 1969. Sylvia’s first union produced two beautiful children, Tousant Landy and Danielle Pinckney. Later becoming a single parent, Sylvia was determined to buy a house for her and her children. She sacrificed and often worked 2 sometimes 3 jobs to make ends meet. Her hard work and dedication afforded her the opportunity to purchase a home for her family in Elizabeth, N.J. Family time was extremely important to Sylvia. She wanted her children to be well rounded so she exposed them to many different things. The beaches of the Jersey Shore, trips to museums, train rides to New York City, road trips to the countryside of South Carolina, are some of the ways Sylvia and her children spent weekends and vacations. She exposed her children to many cultures so that they would be comfortable interacting with all people.  Sylvia worked as a medical transcriptionist at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Elizabeth, N.J. for many years. She enjoyed her job but wanted to enhance herself so she pursued her Associates Degree at Union County College. She was in her 50’s when she went back to school. Upon graduating, she was able to transfer to the Business office at the hospital. Sylvia decided to pursue her dream and graduated as a LPN from Union County College at the age of 60. She didn’t believe education or pursuing dreams had an age limit. She believed in pushing herself to the limit so that her goals could be obtained.

Sylvia’s love for the Lord continued as an adult and she instilled that love for God into her children. She joined The New Hope Baptist Church of Newark, New Jersey in 1980 were she was a faithful, dedicated, and active member. She served on many ministries and always gave freely of her time to church projects. Monday through Saturday she could be found fellowshipping with the Food & Clothes Ministry where she gladly helped to clothe and feed those in need within the community. On Sunday mornings, she could be found at the sanctuary door as she served on the Usher’s Board greeting the congregation with her infectious smile. She was a member of the Missionary Ministry and also served as a Deaconess. Sylvia truly loved the Lord and found it not robbery to give of her time. 

Life began to blossom as Sylvia met the love of her life, Refuge Milledge and spent 16 amazing years with him. Refuge was a road runner and Sylvia was always found in the seat next to him riding shot gun. They shared precious time together traveling all across the United States to visit family and friends. Refuge truly enriched her life and both of her children are eternally grateful for him. 

When she moved to Indianapolis, IN, she joined Loving Missionary Baptist Church so that she may stay connected to the Family of Christ. 

Sylvia was a fun person to be around. She was known for quick responses that would bring laughter to those close to her. She had an infectious personality and always had words of encouragement to offer. It was because of this that she was able to develop such strong bonds with so many people.

She was a fan of the cooking shows and enjoyed using her husband, Refuge, as her guinea pig to try new recipes. 

Sylvia was preceded in death by her beloved mother and father Ben T. and Selma Landy, her dear brother Arthur Landy Sr. and her baby sister Sarah Alves. 

Sylvia leaves to celebrate her legacy, her loving husband, Mr. Refuge Milledge of IN, her son Tousant Landy of NJ, her daughter Danielle Pinckney (Rashid) of NY, Two grandsons- Daejon Weeks-Landy, Jamal Pinckney, 3 granddaughters- Aminah Irizarry, Nahteja Pinckney, and Jailyn Sawyer, great granddaughter Ava Pearson, her nieces & nephews Michelle Lacewell, Arthur Landy, Michael Alves Jr. and Michael Cumberbatch.

Her gifts- Eugene Johnson (Janel Miller),  Stacey Marshall (Darrell Perry),  Tracey Marshall,  Nikiesha Marshall

Grands: Eugene Jr, Nikiema, India,  Shanice, Maurice,Chanda, William,  Danielle,  Jaden,  Marcus,  Tyree,  Jaimorry,  Jada,  Araela

Great-grands: Tenazha, Elijha , Emileigh, Maverick,  Cori Bella,  Andreya,  Ariah, Cross  

Her dear lifelong sister/friends Ora Phelps of NJ, Brenda Smith of GA, and TG Edwards of FL, and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, neighbors and many other special people whose lives she touched.