Racine – Sylvia Lee (nee: Bolton) Cunegin, age 67, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, November 27, 2016.

Sylvia was born in Racine on June 4, 1949 to Earnest Walter and Peggie Mae (nee: Swift) Bolton, Sr. She graduated from Washington Park High School, and went on to attend Lane College in Jackson, TN. On June 6, 1969 she married her college sweetheart Daniel "The Wolf" Cunegin.

Sylvia was employed for over 30 years at SC Johnson – where she retired as payroll manager in Human Resources. She was recognized for a host of accolades during this time frame. She implemented the integrated payroll and human resource systems in July 1996 and was awarded the Diversity Video Best Actress in 1993. Sylvia received the SC Johnson Community Service Award of 1992; the SC Johnson Financial Officer's Award for the DOW Integration 1998; and the SC Johnson Woman of Distinction Award of 1996.

In addition to her strong work ethic, Sylvia was just as passionate about her church home. From 2001 until the present, Sylvia served as the full-time administrative assistant at her beloved Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church. She was a faithful member for many years and was an active member of several auxiliaries including the Pastor's Helper Club, and the Trustee Board.

Sylvia was a lifetime member of the NAACP. She was a citywide commentator for various organizations in Southeastern Wisconsin such as the SC Johnson Wax fashion show and Juneteenth Celebrations for many years. Among other interests, Sylvia enjoyed clothes, shopping, great music and African art. Above all, Sylvia was very giving of herself and was forever lending a helping hand to those in need.

Surviving are her husband, Dan; mother, Peggie Mae Bolton; children, Jonathan McPherson, Zakiya Cunegin and Zahra Cunegin; grandchildren, Zahriah Nwanosike, Philip Morales and Kai McGruder; brother, Earnest Walter (Flora nee: Nabor) Bolton, Jr.; nephew, Earnest Walter (Sivon nee: Narong) Bolton III; nieces, Peggy Bolton and Lacresha Bolton; sister-in-law, Margaret (nee: Cunegin) Wilson; special cousins, Peggy Swift and Gwendolyn (nee: Swift) Clark; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends – too numerous to mention all by name.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her father, Earnest Walter Bolton; daughter-in-law, Cynthia (nee: Patterson) McPherson; and by 11 brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

A Homegoing Celebration will be held on Friday, December 2, 2016 at 11:00 am in St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1123 Center Street, with Bishop Lawrence L. Kirby officiating. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Thursday from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and in the church on Friday from 10-11 am.

Service Details

Service: Friday, December 2, 2016 at 11:00 am in St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1123 Center Street

Viewing: Thursday, December 1, 2016 at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home from 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Friday in the church from 10:00 – 11:00 am

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