Sylvester Smith

Sylvester Smith, age 90, of Erie, died on Friday November 24, 2017 at home.  He was born on April 15, 1927 in Mt. Olive, MS, the son of the late Esker and Bertha Smith.

Sylvester was raised well by his grandparents in MS.  He attended Mt. Olive High School where he played basketball.  At age 17, he moved to Erie with his parents.   He worked his way through the ranks at Erie Malleable Iron Works, retiring as a supervisor in 1989 after 39 years of service.   He was the very best husband, father, and grandfather.  He believed in education and insisted that his children and their children have a formal high level education.  He enjoyed watching any type of sports and played in many bowling leagues over the years.

In addition to his parents, he preceded in death by a daughter, Rev. Deborah Ann Adams, and his sister Arlena Carter.

Sylvester is survived by his wife of 70 years, Allie Smith and his children Ronald Smith and Pamela Jean Smith, all of Erie.  He is further survived by 11 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, 20 great-great grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on the family at Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 W. 10^th St., Erie on Wednesday Nov. 29^th from 5-8 pm.  Services will be held on Thursday Nov. 30^th at 11 am at St. James AME Church, 236 East 11^th St. with Reverend Daniel Snyder officiating.  Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com