Sylvester Lee Harris

Sylvester Lee Harris, affectionately called (pretty Stanky), was born on April 6, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, to the parents of Lamar Harris, Sr. and Vesta Lee Harris. He was the third oldest of four siblings. Sylvester was preceded in death by his father, Lamar Harris, Sr., mother, Vesta Lee Harris, his brother, Larry Harris and son, Sylvester Harris, Jr.

Sylvester departed this life after a lengthy illness, on Sunday, March 10, 2019 at 3:00 a.m., at the John Stroger Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. 

Sylvester, attended and received his basic education here in the Chicago public school system and from the John Marshall High School. After his graduation, Sylvester met and married Henrietta Stampley.  This this union two children were born, Dontell and Donita.

Sylvester, confessed his hope in Christ at an early age at the Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, under the pastorate of the late Rev. H.R. Stephenson.

Sylvester, was employed as a clerk for the Cubs Food Store chain for more than twenty years where he later retired in 2006. Sylvester enjoyed fatherhood immensely.  He enjoyed various types music especially gospel and blues.  His favorite gospel songs were, Amazing Grace, Precious Lord, Better Days Ahead, I Cried My Last Tear on Yesterday and I Need You Now.  Years ago he would always ask his cousin, Linda Reed to sing to him, Amazing Grace or Precious Lord. Lately, when his daughter, Donita or son, Dontell visited him, they said he would always be playing Better Days Ahead or I Need You Now.  Sylvester enjoyed life as it came.  He enjoyed being around family.  He attended just about every function that they had.  Last year in September, the Mattox Family had an Academy Awards Banquet.  In spite the fact that he wasn’t feeling his best, he still attended.  He was so humorous at times. If you called him Stanky, he would have this infectious smile on his face and correct you and say, it’s pretty Stanky.  He gave everyone he came in contact with a nickname. 

In talking with his children, brother, sister and close friends, Sylvester knew he didn’t have much time left on this earth.  Just a few weeks ago, he selected his entire attire that he wanted to be buried in down to his underwear and socks. He asked his daughter, Donita to take his suit to the cleaners.  He was preparing himself for his transition.

Sylvester leaves to cherish his fond memories: his three children, 2 daughters; Denise and Donita Harris, of Chicago; (1) step-daughter; Devonna (David) White of Chicago; one son; Dontell Harris (Lutricia) of Hammond, Indiana. One brother, Lamar Harris, Jr., and one sister, Doris Harris-Carr of Chicago, a special friend, and a host nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Gwendolyn Harrington of Chicago; (1) brother-in-law; Fred Harrel of Chicago; (13) grandchildre

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