Happy Tuesday, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanatics!
Yesterday evening, I posted the bittersweet news regarding the sudden passing of our beloved sister and friend, Sylvia Esmeralda McKenzie Douglas. I broke the news on Facebook this past Friday, and in turn, I actually received well-wishes and condolences from my fans. Thanks a bunch, y’all—I really appreciate it.
In today’s blog, we have Sylvia’s biography. I hope you all enjoy it.
Sylvia Esmeralda McKenzie Douglas was born February 15, 1927 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the only child to Gary and Annette McKenzie, both of whom preceded her in death. Affectionately known as “Syl,” she was a genuine people person, and easily made friends everywhere she went, regardless if they were child or adult.
Syl also had an unusually strong rapport with school—she absolutely loved it! From the time she was a child, Syl would line up her dolls and stuffed animals in three rows, and proceed to teach them. She was so much in love with the whole aspect of learning and education that she made it a personal goal to be a teacher, and the fact that her father was a teacher was the perfect added incentive. After graduating from Twin Cities High School, she attended the University of Minnesota, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Child Development. In addition to getting a college education, Syl met, fell in love with, and ultimately married fellow classmate Roger William Douglas; the two were wed in 1945. It should also be important to point out that Syl was the first in her family to be class valedictorian in elementary, high school, and college.
After earning her teaching credentials in 1951, Syl accepted a position as a Third Grade teacher at Gopher State Elementary School, where she worked for 40 years. Syl treated her Third Graders as though they were her children, a feat that came naturally to her, considering that she and Roger raised four children.
Notwithstanding her love for teaching, Syl had a strong relationship with God, seconded by a zest for life. If she wasn’t teaching the Women’s Class in Sunday School, she was directing the Mighty Oak Mass Choir. She would often lead some of the songs; her favorite song was “Prayer Will Fix It Everytime.” Syl was also a big kid at heart; she loved watching cartoons (particularly Bugs Bunny), and playing Scrabble… and it was well documented that she was extremely aggressive whenever she played Monopoly. She also loved to travel, boogie on the dance floor, and spend time with her family. She even stated that her greatest claim to fame was having witnessed at least one of her grandchildren get married, and she was looking forward to being a great-grandmother.
On April 13, 2012, Syl left the troubles of this crazy ol’ world, and woke up to eternal life. She leaves to cherish her precious memory: her devoted husband of 67 years, Roger; two sons, Robert Louis and Bret George; two daughters, Catherine Suzette and Sandra Nicole (Quinn); two daughters-in-law, Tabatha Diane and Susan Ariel; one son-in-law, David Andrew Quinn; nine grandchildren, and a host of adopted nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Tomorrow’s Blog: A Message from the family of Sylvia E. Douglas
No comments:
Post a Comment