Sylvia Ann (Sylvan) Thornton was born October 25, 1942 in Milford, Va. and departed this life February 4, 2014 at Providence Hospital Washington, D.C.

She was born to the late John Ridgley and Mary Lee Pleasants.

She is preceded in death by two sisters Jean Carolyn Pollard and Gloria (Sudie) Fitzgerald; 3 brothers William Costello, John (Sonny Boy) Pleasants and Edward (Dickey Boy) Carter.

Sylvia was originally a member of Bethel Baptist Church until she married. She then became a member of Mount Tabor . She was a member of the Usher Board and served willingly whenever she was called upon. She worked in the medical field at various health facilities for over 30 years before she retired. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and loyal friend to all. She loved working in her yard and helping anyone that was in need. She was loved and admired by all in her neighborhood.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Arthur Thornton; a daughter, Gwen Thornton; son, Wallace "Peanut" (Delores) Pleasants; 2 sisters, Barbara (Richard) Pleasants and Sydney (Thomas) Rutherford; 2 brothers, James Pleasants and Ridgley (Linda) Pleasants; one uncle, Carol Pleasants; 2 sisters-in-law, Ruth Coleman and Gladys Carter; 2 brothers-in-law, Wesley (Lillian) Thornton and James "Sisco" Fitzgerald; 3 grandchildren, Kirby, Angelo and Lance; 5 great-grandchildren, special longtime family friends John and Frances Samuels and Caroline Gibbs and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday, February 11, at C. W. Edwards Funeral Home, 16476 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m.

A funeral will be held at ll a.m., Wednesday, February 12, at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, 21795 Mattaponi Trail, Milford, Virginia 22514. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.