Obituary of Sylvia Scott
Sylvia Scott, 88, “Syl” to those who loved her, peacefully entered her eternal rest the evening of Wednesday, July 5, 2023. Sylvia, born on February 20, 1935, was the first of two children born to Sylvester and Idella (Murray) Carter. Her childhood was spent in Montclair, NJ, where she later graduated from Montclair High School in 1952.
At age 20, Sylvia was most fortunate and married the late, William H. Scott Sr. (Scotty) of Paterson, NJ. They were married on September 3, 1955 and moved to East 19th Street in Paterson. Shortly thereafter, the “Scott Clan” began to flourish with the arrival of Judith, Susan, Shelley, and William H. Scott, Jr. (Billy). Eventually, Syl and Scotty departed from Silk City and settled in the suburbs of Central Jersey, purchasing a home in South Plainfield which remains in their family to this day.
Sylvia was a hard worker and loved her job as a Lumber Buyer at Rickles in South Plainfield, where she later retired after over 20 years of service.
As the matriarch of the Scott Family, it was imperative that holidays and special occasions were shared with family. Part of her legacy incorporates the many traditions that she instilled, that are still practiced today.
Sylvia exhibited her unwavering faith in the Lord as a Eucharistic Minister and faithful member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Plainfield, NJ for several years.
A staple in her community; we often joked and called her the “Mayor of South Plainfield”. She knew everyone and they knew her! She also served the community by working in the polls during countless elections.
Having several hobbies Sylvia, also loved to entertain. During Black History Month, Sylvia found joy in performing the monologue of civil rights activist, Fannie Lou Hamer, at nursing homes, schools, and businesses. She was a socialite and an active member with the Metronomes, an exclusive social club, for many years. Sylvia would often host Pokeno and holiday parties with her girls! Family and close friends would often look forward to her and Scotty’s “Summer Fish Fries”. She loved to travel, enjoying cruises and escaping to Florida every winter with Scotty and their longtime friends. Having a profound love for elephants, anyone who visited the Scott residence would see the many elephants Syl collected in the living room. An avid NY Giants fan, on Football Sunday’s you would often hear Sylvia scream, “Let’s Go Giants!”. And don’t mention Atlantic City! Sylvia loved to take bus rides to AC to chance her luck on her favorite slot machines.
As a testament to her sense of humor, one day, Sylvia’s family came to visit her in the hospital, and as they entered her room, she jokingly shouted, “It’s a boy!”. Uncontrollable laughter filled the room. This is just one of the many fond memories that will forever be treasured. Sylvia made her whole family laugh with her razor-sharp wit. She was kind, generous, and compassionate. She loved her entire family to the core. She worried about them, rooted for them, and protected them.
Upon gaining her wings, Sylvia was joined by her beloved husband, William H. Scott Sr., Sylvester Green (father), Idella and Ned Carter (mother and stepfather), Alonzo and Delores Byrd, Kenneth and Ethel Scott, Joyce Scott, Barbara Scott (brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law), her devoted daughter Judith Scott-Hammerquist, and pets Shakka and Sato.
Until they meet again, Sylvia is survived by her three children, Susan G. Scott, Shelley Scott, and William H. Scott, Jr (Margaret Scott, daughter-in-law). Loved ones that will also miss her are her six grandchildren, Kori, Nicole, Chavonne, Matthew, Carissa, and Caira, her brother James Green (Pamela Green, sister-in-law), brother-in-law Lawrence Scott, alongside a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.
Sylvia would want to be remembered for the joy and love that she instilled in all of us. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, a treasured aunt and a wondrous friend. You all know that she was one of a kind and there will never be another one like her! We will miss her forever!
Family and friends may gather for Sylvia’s celebration of life on
Friday, July 14, 2023 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm at
South Plainfield Funeral Home
2456 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080
A memorial service will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Plainfield, NJ at a later date in August.