Sylvia (Nelson) Neufville

Sylvia Nelson Neufville, 95 was born in Springfield Welcome Hall, St. James, Jamaica, West Indies on Saturday May 4, 1929 to the late Jaffath and Rebecca Faulkner-Nelson. At the onset of her adolescent years Sylvia moved to Kingston Jamaica with her Aunt Jermima Faulkner so she could become a seamstress.

While there in Trench Town she met and married her late husband Percival Neufville. Their union produced six children namely; Landale, Lorna, Lauren, Angela, Densil,  and Maxine.

With prayer, and her desire to provide a wholesome standard of life for her family, she migrated to Hartford CT in 1968. Her late Aunt Burnetta Higginson a former member of Faith Seventh-day Adventist church, single-handedly made this possible. Her immediate family was left in the care of her sister Gloria Nelson, and was reunited with her in 1970.    

A year later, this phenomenal woman of God accepted the Seventh-day Adventist message at Camp Victory Lake, NY where she was baptized.  

Through her exemplary life, her five living children and others family members and friends are still serving the Lord in the Adventist Church today. 

After her retirement from Cigna Insurance 30 years ago, Sylvia ventured into a new role as a foster mom and was endearing to all the children in her home. 

As a laborer in God’s vineyard, Grandma gave 54 glorious years of her life in service to the work of God and her community right here at Faith Church. She was an active member of the Faith Sanctuary Choir for over 40 years. Simultaneously, she was a dedicated Deaconess which ultimately lead to her being selected as the Head Deaconess for 12 years. 

Aunt Syl’s hands were never idle.  She had many hobbies, and was very talented.  She crocheted and knitted creatively. She was a very skilled seamstress who made the wedding gown for her daughter, Lauren. She was always meticulously and tastefully dressed at church every Sabbath. She was also a cake decorator, a baker, gardener, and an excellent cook.   

Mother’s heart was always busy. She loved, cared, shared, encouraged, hugged, prayed and served, especially, her extended family whom she was instrumental in helping to migrate to America. Mom wore many hats, literally and figuratively. She was a world traveler who vacationed to Europe, the Caribbean, Canada, Hawaii, Central & South America.

She leaves to mourn her beloved niece Lilieth Thompson-Reid aka Blossom, who played a pivotal role, in helping to raise her young family. Sylvia, GiGi, and Grandma was preceded in death by her husband Percival Neufville, son     Landale Neufville, sisters Gloria Nelson and Gladys Thompson. She is  survived  by her children Lorna Neufville, Peaches (John) McEady, Anj Neufville, Densil (Janette) Neufville, and Maxine Neufville. Grandsons Samuel (Janeaca) Phillips, and Anthony Neufville; Grand Daughters Candace (Jordan) Matthews, Lauren McEady, and Kayla McEady. Great grandchildren Tyjere Robinson, Jaedin Padro, Samari Phillips, Ja’liyah Phillips and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and church family members. Close friends Valda Hall, Daphne McGowan, Olga Kellier, Mertie Hastings and many others who will miss her dearly. 

Her greatest accomplishment on earth was her intimate relationship with God. Her final days were peaceful and comfortable. On January 30th 2025, God answered her final request and gave her rest.

God’s Promises Are Always Sure!

“For yet a little while, He that shall come will come and will not tarry” 

Hebrews 10:37

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