Obituary
Sylvia E. Blackett of New Smyrna Beach passed away on August 2nd at the age of 83. Born Sylvia Gellineau on the island of Grenada in the British West Indies, she immigrated to the US in 1957 and became a naturalized citizen shortly thereafter. She eventually settled in Amityville, NY and had a successful career as a phlebotomist while simultaneously earning a bachelor’s degree from the New York Institute of Technology. In 1987, she and her husband Claudius retired and moved to New Smyrna Beach. During her final years, she resided in the memory care unit at Lexington Place, where she received excellent care from a staff that cared for her deeply.
Mrs. Blackett was an active member of the community, volunteering at St. Peter the Fisherman Episcopal Church, the East Central Florida chapter of the Friendship Force International, the Bethune Beach Property Owners Association, the Volusia County COA Meals on Wheels program, and the Mary S Harrell Black Heritage Museum.
She is survived by her son Mohan Boodram and son-in-law Robert Morris of Quincy, MA, many nieces and nephews, and a host of dear friends. She is predeceased by her husband, Claudius, her parents, and her nine siblings.
Funeral services will take place on Friday, August 11 at 10:30am at St. Peter the Fisherman Episcopal Church, 4220 Saxon Dr, New Smyrna Beach, with burial to follow at Edgewater-New Smyrna Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, via alz.org , or by mail to P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011.
Ann Harrell
Executive Director, Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum