Sylvia A. Crawford

Sylvia A. Crawford, at the age of 70, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 22, 2022.  She was born January 10, 1952 in Atmore, Alabama. She was the oldest of five children to Lois M. Burton and the late Rev. Eugene W. Burton, Sr.  Sylvia attended and graduated from McKinley Technology High School in 1968.  She was employed as an accountant in the banking field before her early retirement from NACAC as their Executive Assistant.

Sylvia leaves to cherish her memory, mother, Lois M. Burton; daughters, Randi Johnson (Reginald Cord), and Tenille Johnson (Willie Newton); son Terrance Johnson (Ingrid Johnson); grandchildren, Myah Curry, Tyler Johnson, Aiden Johnson, Camille Newton and Matthew Johnson; siblings, Robert (Bobby), Guy, Gail, Winston, Deborah, Vonnie, Valarie, Charles, Joan. She was predeceased by brother Everett Lathern; Aunt, Von Smith; Uncle, Winston Thames.

Sylvia loved the lord and first accepted Christ at her home church, Park Road Community Church in Washington D.C. where her father Rev. Eugene W. Burton was Pastor for 42 years. During her time as a member she served as church secretary, deaconess, Sunday school teacher, and sang on multiple choirs. She later joined the Potter House Community Church in Greensboro NC, and after relocating to Connecticut joined The Revival Church in Hamden Connecticut. Sylvia also attended Baltimore School of the bible where she studied theology.

Sylvia was known for her infectious smile and calm demeanor, kind heart and sweet spirit. She was friendly and welcoming to all; you can say she never met a stranger and always had a listening ear for anyone who needed it. Sylvia was most proud of her three children and five grandchildren, the loves of her life. She never missed a beat in her family’s lives and was fully committed to supporting her family in every aspect.

With her eclectic style, over her lifetime Sylvia had a variety of interest and taste, and would describe herself as an out of the box thinker with her favorite saying “Nothing ever stays the same”. She never stopped dreaming and learning new things. In her retirement she explored all her creative interest starting with her interest in art, taking college level courses at the Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center in Annapolis, MD where she crafted her skills in drawing and painting, establishing a large collection of artwork. She also dove into her love for plants and became somewhat of a botanist. She was also a skilled crocheter and an avid reader.

Sylvia was anything but ordinary, she was extraordinary. She enjoyed the wonders of life, and if she had it her way she would have traveled all across the world like a captain leading an everlasting ship. She was loving to all, optimistic at most, and eager to take on life. She believed in the pursuit of happiness and pushing you to fulfill your most inner dreams. She was a true artist, a mother, a sister, a daughter, and a grandmother, and she played those roles to the utmost importance. Sylvia always said life was never easy, and it never will be, but she didn’t believe in giving up, she was resilient. She was the light in the storm, the balance to the unweighted, and the innovative thinker. She left behind a legacy for all, and love that could light up the world. She will be forever missed.

A celebration of Sylvia’s life will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 11am. Viewing in Colonial from 10-11am. Interment to follow at Hamden Plains Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at Colonialfunerals.com.