Sylvia Denise Carter was born on December 30, 1957 to the union of Arvee and Ida Mae Carter Sr. in Toledo, Ohio; she peacefully transitioned at home in her sleep on December 28, 2017, two days before her 60th Birthday.

Raised in a Christian home where attending church was not an option, she confessed a hope in Christ at an early age at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church under the pastorate of her uncle, Rev. John Carter. Sylvia attended Toledo Public Schools and was a graduate of Morrison R. Waite High School. She continued her scholastic achievements and earned a Bachelor degree in Fine Arts from the University of Toledo and a Master degree in Theater Education from Michigan State. Sylvia was the first family member to go to college, live out of state, obtain an undergrad and master’s degree, and travel abroad. While in her collegian years as an undergrad, she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

Committed to becoming a professional actor, after graduation, Sylvia set off to pursue a life of acting, teaching and directing theater in various venues. Her professional career afforded her many opportunities to travel and perform in leading roles throughout the country and in London, England. She was recognized as an accomplished actor with starring roles in productions such as; ‘Menopause the Musical,’ ‘For Colors Girls Only,’ and ‘Having Our Say.”. Locally, Sylvia directed various stage plays and productions for; The Toledo Repertoire Theatre’s Production of ‘Ain’t Misbehavin,’ several productions for Clarence Smith Community Choir, The University of Toledo Fine Arts department and James and Bonita Adams as well as other various productions.

Sylvia was employed by Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago, Illinois as the Education Director until her health declined and she returned back to Toledo, in the summer of 2006. She also was employed as a teacher with First Church of God Charter School, Class Instructor at the University of Toledo, a substitute teacher for Toledo Public Schools and Toledo Charter Schools.

Sylvia was a gentle soul and always had time to have conversation and share a word of encouragement with whomever she met. When you met her as a stranger, you walked away as a friend. Sylvia was a woman of integrity that did not mince her words, she said what she meant and meant what she said. Although, gentle, she also had a fighter’s spirit and could be a force to be reckon with. It was her sheer determination and her faith in God, that propelled her to overcome many challenges and obstacles throughout her life. She was an avid baker and baked the best ‘Oatmeal Chocolate Chip & Sugar Cookies’ ever! Every Christmas season, Sylvia would come home and gather her young nieces and nephews together and bake and decorate her famous sugar cookies. Thus, starting a family tradition that continues. She loved her family and she loved to laugh and she loved to dance and she loved the stage. She loved life.

Sylvia was proceeded in death by her parents, five brothers, Calvin, DeMarco Sr., Harvey, Rufus and Glen and four sisters, Rebbie, Edna, Maggie and Virginia. She leaves to cherish her memory, her son Justin Carter. Sisters Frances, Brenda, Precious, Joyce (Anthony), LaVenia (Cornell), Eva, Arlene, and Murlene. Brothers Arvee Jr, Charles (Gloria), Quincy Sr. (Delores) Wayne, Timothy, Ricky, James (Robin), and Clarence and a host of relatives and friends.......AND THE BAND PLAYS ON.