On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the Lord called one of His beloved angels home. Ms. Sylvia Elaine Maye peacefully departed this earthly life, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, music, and devotion to family and friends.

Sylvia was born on April 26, 1958, in Carson, Virginia, to the late Thomas "Bubba Toe" May and Virginia Brown Stewart.

At an early age, Sylvia accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at Saint John Baptist Church in Stony Creek, Virginia. Later in life, she united with Rising Mount Zion Baptist Church in Carson, Virginia, where she faithfully served until her health declined. She remained a devoted and cherished member of the church until her passing.

Known affectionately as the "Songbird" of the family, Sylvia possessed a beautiful voice that brought joy and comfort to everyone who heard her sing. Some of her favorite songs included: "I'm Still Here" and "Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus." Music was one of God's greatest gifts to her, and she shared it generously throughout her life.

Sylvia faithfully served in numerous ministries at Rising Mount Zion Baptist Church, including the Sanctuary Choir, Youth Choir Director, Hospitality Committee, and Missionary Ministry. Her love for gospel music also led her to sing with the Maye Family Choir, the Petersburg Bus Barn Choir, and the Bethany Baptist Church Choir.

For more than 30 years, Sylvia was a dedicated employee of Petersburg Pupil Transportation, where she touched the lives of countless children and families before retiring due to health concerns.

Sylvia was a kind-hearted, fun-loving woman who deeply loved her family and friends. She had a special place in her heart for children; a love reflected in the beautiful collection of dolls she treasured and cared for over the years. She enjoyed watching classic television shows and game shows, especially The Rifleman and Murder, She Wrote. She loved spending time talking on the phone with her sisters and close friends and was well-known for keeping the kitchen busy frying her famous chicken wings, necks, and backs. Sylvia was also a loyal and proud Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Peyton and Fannie Mae Williamson Brown; her parents, Thomas "Bubba Toe" May and Virginia Brown Stewart (Jerry); her brothers, Robert Thomas Maye, James Maye, Elmer Maye, and Arthur Maye; her sisters, Ethel Hayes and Eunice Briggs; and her dear friends, who were like sisters to her, Carol Gee and Debira Hinton.

Left to cherish her precious memory are her only child, Ariana Michelle Maye Parham (Deonta); her three loving grandsons, Dr. Derrius Maye (Cassandra), Trevon Maye, and Deonta Parham, Jr. ("DJ"); her two adored great-grandchildren, Yahseem TreMari Coleman ("Toot") and Cianna Michelle Maye ("Cupcake"); her brothers, Elder Earl Maye (Esther) and William Maye; her devoted sister, Gladys "Ann" Trotter (Calvin); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends. Among those she held especially dear were Stanley Ward, Walter Sykes, Carolyn Coleman and Carol Hamlin.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Bon Secours Southside Medical Center, Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital, the Southside Emergency Crew, and Medi Home Health & Hospice for the exceptional care, kindness, and support they provided to Sylvia and her family.

Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we rejoice in knowing that Sylvia's beautiful spirit and melodious voice now rest in the presence of the Lord. Her love, faith, and gentle kindness will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Third Baptist Church, 550 Farmer Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Kassandra Bullock, Pastor, Dr. Derrius Maye, eulogist, and Bishop Michael Stith, officiant. The interment to follow at Rising Mount Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.

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.