"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me on that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." - 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Our beloved wife, daughter, mother, grandmother and friend, Mrs. Sylvia Barlow passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026. She was the heart of our home, known for her kind and loving heart, her beautiful and infectious smile, and her unmatched devotion to her family and friends. Sylvia was born on February 15, 1968, in Petersburg, VA to Ms. Dorothy Mae Jackson and the late Mr. Johnny Tyce.

Sylvia was a dedicated member of Third Baptist Church in Petersburg VA, where the church motto is, "Whereby love we serve one another". Sylvia enjoyed participating in the Women's Ministry and she was a faithful member of the Veterans Family and Friends Ministry. In her spare time, she volunteered at the Hope Center and made a joyful noise unto the Lord by singing in the Third Baptist Choir. Sylvia was also the reigning Unified Shiloh Baptist Association Queen representing Third Baptist Church. She will always be the Queen of Hearts.

Sylvia recently retired from the Ashland Chemical Plant (formerly Hercules) in January after being a valued employee and safety lead for over twenty years. Known for her famous macaroni and cheese, Sylvia lived a modest yet full life. She enjoyed traveling, reading books (one of her favorite authors was Terry McMillan) and she loved to dance, especially a good line dance. Sylvia's smile and aura lit up any room she walked in and she will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her sisters, Cynthia Jackson (Carter) and Yolanda Tyce; her brothers, Melvin Jackson and Tyrone Jackson; grandparents, Troy and Louise Grant; uncles, James Grant, Jesse Grant, Thomas Grant and Rossie Grant; and her aunts, Mildred Grant, Mary Wynn, Gladys Smith, Ella Mae Wilkins, Iris Epps, and Evelyn Dance.

Sylvia leaves to cherish her memory a loving and devoted husband, Edward Barlow, Jr.; her mother, Dorothy Mae Jackson; children, Lakesha Banks (Wright), Lavelle Baines (Sarai Iracheta), Brittany Barlow, Dacian Simms and Edward Barlow III; her much loved fourteen grandchildren; aunts, Edna Burrow and Janie Wiggins (Franklin); uncle, Robert Grant (Vera); sister, Bridget Tyce Parker (Roderick Parker); brothers, Johnny Tyce (Reneè), Donnell Tyce and brother,  Theodore Mason( Jacoba Mason); and her devoted caretaker, Barbara Wyche, who provided essential and loving care to Sylvia until her last day. Sylvia had many devout and devoted friends, her special friends, that were more like sisters, Monica Hunt (Dexter), Tonya Bailey (Kenneth), Marlene Ali (Khalid), Tracey Bolling, Felicia Green and Lynnette Otey; devoted Pastor, Rev. Dr. Kassandra Bullock, whose unwavering godly support and visits meant so much to both Sylvia and her family; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins too many to name but all of whom she loved.

Sylvia enjoyed her walk with and getting closer to God. Her favorite scripture was John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life".

"Sleep on Sylvia, take your rest. We all loved you but God loved you best. We will see you again."

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Third Baptist Church, 550 Farmer Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Kassandra Bullock, Pastor, eulogist. The interment will be held at Southlawn Memorial Park.

A wake will be held from 7:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Friday, April 24, 2026, at the funeral establishment.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5892416?fl=so&fe=fs