Randy L. Sylvia

Randy Lee Sylvia was born October 29, 1953 in Shreveport, Louisiana and passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2021 in Joliet, Illinois.

He was the beloved son of Louise Harvey and Francis Sylvia (deceased), loved and nurtured by Margaree and Bernard Dewitt Sylvia (both deceased).

He is survived by his children, John, Jason and Aaron; mother, Louise Harvey; siblings, Alex (Valarie), Elisia, Phillip (Lisa), Ida, Pamela, Dwayne (Diane) Joyce and Jennifer; a host of beloved grandchildren, Jordan, Janise, Jasmin, Jalen, Shavelle, Jayma, Jkari, Jason Jr., Jalen, Jada, Nashay, Jashonna Keymari, Jaylen, Davon, Angel, Giovanni, John, Angel, Aston, Avion, Brianna, Ilanan, Caleb and Corvnia; devoted ex-wife, Cynthia A. Sylvia-Mines; a host of beloved nieces and nephews, Tanisha, Biancia, Laurence, Jasmine, Alex, Lavonte, Jennifer, Armonte, Robert, Justin, Kendon, Deston, P.C., Quinton, Ashley, Mariyea Blake, Kevin, Daja, Dennis, Ivan, Daniel, Courney and Antwain.

Randy attended and graduated from Joliet East High School He was exceptional student and outstanding football player.  Randy loved drafting, was an avid fisherman (he admired his cousin, Donna Ellis and her fishing expertise and he always wondered where that secret fishing location was Donna).

He was highly intelligent and vast knowledgeable on world events.  He loved to watch Jeopardy and National Geographic, love for Black Negro League memorabilia, Chess and Dominos.  He was an avid reader, mostly reading books about prophets, working of faith, always strived for self-improvement.  His thirst wasn’t never quenched for the word of God.  This only made his faith in God stronger.

He started working at a young age helping his cousin, Henry Brown at his Shoe-Shine Shop downtown Joliet, Illinois. He took him and Pam on excursions to Chicago, Illinois on weekend outings, which piqued their interest in the world, through Henry’s eyes and his love of God, which increased his thirst for truth in the bible.

After high school, Randy enlisted in the United States Navy as Interior Communication Electrician. He had several opportunities and experiences serving on the team of Survival & Pilot Rescue, Shipboard Fire Fighter, and Propulsion Engine Indicator Alarm Systems Maintenance.  His Navy journey on the USS Ramsey & USS Prairie would take him across the world to explore Spain, the Philippines, Vietnam and different locations throughout the United States.  Randy received recognitions: Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and Navy Battle Efficiency Ribbon.  Upon his exit from the Navy and his return to civilian life, Randy worked as a Welder and Pieces Part Marker for Caterpillar, retiring after 28 years of service.

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