Obituary of Sylvester Walston, Sr.

Sylvester Walston, Sr. was born February 7, 1949 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Richard Mercer and Rosa Lee (Battle) Walston.  He was the second eldest of four children (Richard Walston, Jr (deceased), Ronald Walston and Regina Walston (Smith).  Sylvester graduated from Thomas Alva Edison High School in 1967.  His school had the highest casualty rate during the Vietnam War of any high school in the nation, however, he courageously enlisted in the Airforce serving a one-year tour in Vietnam and was honorably discharged after four years.  His son Sylvester Walston, Jr. was born in 1968.  He returned home and enrolled at the Institute of Computer Management wherehe majored in Applied Computer Programming Systems and Procedures for Business in 1971.

Sylvester was selected to enroll in a 36-month management training program sponsored by Household Finance and upon completion he was promoted to Branch Manager.  He met Helena Bankhead who was also a participant in the management program, and they married in 1983.  This union produced one child, a daughter, Sylena Walston (Street).

After a successful ten years at Household, Sylvester retired from Consumer Finance and ventured into the banking industry.  He was a Collections Supervisor for five years at First USA Bank which was later acquired by JP Morgan Chase, at which time Sylvester was promoted to Bank Officer.  Sylvester was promoted several times throughout his career and retired after 25 years as a Compliance and Risk Manager.

After retirement, Sylvester worked part-time at Navigant and Meals on Wheels.  Sylvester enjoyed engaging with the clients and delivering meals to the senior citizens of Delaware.  Sylvester lived a full life and enjoyed cracking jokes and making others smile.  He and Helena enjoyed traveling and dancing.  Sylvester had a passion for music and singingand would often join his brothers and cousin in a gospel quartet. 

Sylvester became a member of Bethel A.M.E Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Silvester S. Beaman and joined the male chorus under the directorship of Sis. Jacqeline Robert. He thoroughly enjoyed singing for the Lord and served as a volunteer driver for the church transportation service for many years.

Sylvester enjoyed a very close relationship with his daughter, Sylena.  He was a devoted father.  The two enjoyed frequent road trips, visiting family and shared a connection through music. Not only was Helena his wife but she was also his care giver. Sylvester became ill in 2017 and after fighting a long, courageous battle with Cancer, he departed this life on November 3, 2019.  The good news is that Sylvester loved the Lord and is finally at peace.

Sylvester leaves to mourn his passing, his wife of 36 years, Helena, son, Sylvester Walston, Jr, daughter, Sylena Street, son-in-law, Albert Nelson Street, III, brother, Ronald Walston(Penny), sister, Regina Smith (Andrew), Kyleef Goodman, Paris Sloan-Goodman, Kelly, best friends Kenny and Percyand host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a special family pet Langston Hughes.