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
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.
Vivian Scales says
With deepest sympathy – Vivian “Dee Dee” Scales and Family
Youletta Tinsley Hopson says
I never had a biological sister. My childhood was not as I wanted it to be. Then I met your mom, I fell in love with her, then I met your dad, I fell in love with him, and then there was you. I have loved you for over fourty years. So many thought you were really my sibling and that was the way I wanted it. I could not have loved you more. Then came Jr., and I had a baby brother and they had a baby sitter. It was all great. I will miss you and I will mourn your home going, but we both made preparations years ago. Our FATHER was ready for you. As much as I love you, HE LOVES YOU MORE. Little girl, there is so much I could say, but I will close this and say, I will see you again still loving me some you…
Adelene Greene, friend says
Sylvia was a beautiful and vivacious woman who’s presence will be greatly missed by all who knew her!!
Rev. Della Jane Buckley says
Thank you Jesus for sharing one of your angels on earth. I am happy glad no more suffering. R.I.P. Sista!
Tony Allen-Bolton says
Your smile lit up a room when you walked in it. I will never forget our talks and our laughter together. I’m going to miss you so much my cousin. I love ❤️ you. R.I.H
Michelle Mills says
I met you through my friend Lacresha Bolton, and I must say it was such a pleasure knowing you! You had a smile that would light up a room! Every time I seen you I’d say mannn she’s a beautiful lady, and I loved/admired your style! You will truly be missed ?! Love you TeTe Sylvia!
Carol Bostick says
Praying for family and friends.
Bernice Jackiewicz Bridges says
Rest in Heaven. You will be misses by your family and friends.
Beverly Golden-Reynolds says
My beloved sister in love, I will miss you so much, but I know you are no longer in pain. You can rest now in peace. Until we meet again I will always love you and remember your great big beautiful smile… R.I.H.
Morrell Thomas says
RIH a sweet beautiful Sister you will be missed.
Morris Samuel Reece says
May God be the pillow resting her soul. As life evolves, so too does the days of of our lives. May God’s searinity provide comfort and peace to the Cunegins’, extended familys and friends during this time of separation and celebration.
God is life. Serve life. . .
MSR
Cherry&Linda Campbell says
Our deepest condolence to the family.Sylvia was a beautiful person inside and out. A smile and spirit that reached beyond. May God keep you all close at this time of bereavement.
Deanere Lee Shelton ( Mullen) says
MRS PEGGY,and Dan so sorry to hear of Sylvia home going, you are in our prayers for the family. Love you and remember our days at the post office. Love y’all DEANERE Shelton.
LaVaughn Booker Delacruz says
Beautiful inside and out!!! I remember Sylvia from a child growing up on Linden Ave. She was very close to my family the Bookers. Sylvia was there when i lost my mother 29yrs ago and i will be with her daughters whom i loved since a child.. Zakiya and Zahra stay strong !!! Love you !!!! Prayers for you and the entire Bolten and Cunegin Families! !!!
Angela Boutwell says
A beautiful soul God created with one of the best smiles that captivated all when you’d walk into any room. Style and grace was no stranger to you. Phenomenal sister Rest In Peace with your Heavenly Father. Family you are in my prayers and may God catch all your tears.
Anonymous says
To the cunegin family my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Keep your hands in God’s hands. And put your trust in Him.love you
Mary Esther ward says
To the cunegin family my thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep your hands in God’s hands and put all your trust in him. Iove you all.your cousin Mary.&FAMILY. LOVE YOU.
Mary Esther ward Bowen says
To the cunegin family my thoughts and prayers are with you and keep your hands in God’s hands and keep your trust in Him.love you. Mary & family
Gwen Reams says
She will be miss I love her an her wisdom. Joy peace love. Love Gwen.
Dorothy Turner Green says
Sylvia and I were childhood friends at Howell and Franklin school . Lost track of each other over the years, but every now and then we would run into each other. RIP Sylvia . And condolences to the family. Dorothy m Turner Green.
Rhonda(Houston)Johnson says
To the Cunegin and Bolton Family
My Deepest condolences to my extended Racine Family. It saddens my heart to know that such a free spirited person is gone too soon, May the Lord heal and comfort you during you’re time of need. You all have a special place in my heart and I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
Love always
Rhonda Houston and Family
Sharon Shelton Williams says
RIP my friend no more pain no more suffering.Prays go out to Dan and the family
Anonymous says
Me and my Son loved Sylvia. Thank You Family for sharing a beautiful Person. Rest In Peace Sylvia until we meet a again.
Carley Fleming says
Rest in peace gone to soon but God makes no mistakes
Mary Esther ward Bowen says
To the cunegin family my thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep your hands in God’s hands and trust in him. Love you Mary Bowen &family
I am your cousin
M/M Raymond M. Wilkinson Jr. says
We wish to convey our sincere sympathy to the Family of Sylvia. Sylvia was an outstanding, gracious ,Stunning Lady & will be deeply missed, it was our pleasure to know her & be Blessed by her Service to the Racine Community, RIP
Carol chones says
My Deepest condolence to you and the family. My friend had the most beautiful personality,l heart of gold, and Unforgettable smile. She will be missed. We will be sending prayers up for you all.
The chones(Carol Thomas).
Tammi McCright says
Sylvia has claimed her greatest reward; everlasting peace with our Lord and Savior.
Charles and Glorious Hicks and Family says
Dear family: We send our sincere condolences. It is so hard to say goodbye. God has given us the best things to remember and that is what we must do. We love you.
Charles and Glorious and Family
Carolyn McInnis says
My condolences goese out to the family.She was an amazing woman. She kept a smile on her face even during her sickness she spoke encouraging words to me. She will be missed dearly.
Diana Jefferson Dearring. Minneapolis, MN says
To the Family,
I was so saddened to hear about the passing of my sister in Christ. May God comfort and strengthen you during your time of grief. To Sylvia……I’ll see you later!
Lynn Booker says
Our prayers and thoughts are with your family may God continue to bless and give you strength.
Love the Booker Family
GeorgAnn Stinson-Dockery says
Sylvia was a beautiful person inside and out and will be missed. Our love and deepest condolences to the family. Rest in peace.
Prayers…
GeorgAnn and Milton
Hazel Jenkins. & Linda Taylor says
May God comfort and strength you ! Sylvia was a beautiful person!
Now she is a beautiful flower in our Father’s Garden.
Althea Chambers says
Rest in Peace, our beautiful friend.
The Chambers Family
Arthur and Undine Hester says
Dan ,we are saddened about the passing of Sylvia. We will always remember her bubbly personality and the way her smile lit up a room.Another angel has gone home take comfort that she will always be watching over you. May God cloak you in cherished memories shared by your family and friends. Our condolences to you and the entire family
Shiraune Samuels says
I’m am so sad to hear of this. You fought your battle well my sister and never lost faith. I pray you rest well. My deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers are with the family today.
Dr. Queen Hart says
I will always cherish and remember her smile and kindness. She was a beautiful lady!
LaSonia McGee says
Zakiya,
Sending my sincere condolences to your family during this difficult time. You are in my prayers.
Faye McGowan-Willis says
To the family you have my prayers. When I think of Sylvia, I can see her smiling. I can hear her laughter. I will never forget the joy that she would bring to any occasion. She was a star! Now she is a Shinning Star!
Linnex Reynolds says
Love u Seal
Kai Mcgruder says
I miss your smile your laugh even when you yelled at me, but I wish you were still here I’m 12 years old growing.Its been a hard 3 years. I think of you everyday. RIP grandma ❤️😢 10-27-19