On October 31st 1943 Sylvia Kay Lockett (nee Saunders) was born to the union of Darwin and Iris Saunders. On June 5th 2024 she passed peacefully at her residence in Columbus Ohio.
Sylvia moved to Wooster from Mansfield at a very young age as her father was fighting in World War II. As a long-term resident of Wooster, she participated in many extra-curricular activities while in high school to include choir, student council, French and Latin club, GAA (Girls Athletic Association) where she was inducted into the Hall of Fame, as well as becoming Wooster’s first Black cheerleader. She graduated from Wooster High School in 1961 and was accepted to Ohio University where she crossed into the sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha after which she married her high school sweetheart, Roy Lockett of Orrville. They married January 11th 1963. This union would bear five children.
She was an active and long-time member of Second Baptist Church in which see sang in the choir under the direction of her mother, Iris Saunders. She belonged to the NAACP as well as the National Urban League, and -was on the board of Metropolitan Housing Authority. Sylvia coached many young women in Wooster’s Softball Little League and was part of the city’s volleyball championship named the Mean Green Machine.
Sylvia worked for the city of Wooster in their Parks and Recreation department for many years as well as Elder-Beerman’s. Her true love was working in the registrar’s office at the College of Wooster where she made many friendships and assisted quite a few students on their path to graduation. Through her time at COW, she became as student herself. Her independent study was on Black History in Wayne County culminating in an exhibition of her hard work. Her passion for art and creativity was apparent through her silver smithing, macrame and other arts and crafts. Her love of history and education was profound, and she passed this to her children, grandchildren and those whose lives she touched.
She is predeceased in death by her loving husband of 45 years Roy P., her parents Darwin and Iris Saunders, beloved mother-in-law, Zelia Lockett and a son, Philip. She is survived by her devoted daughters Melani K. Ross of Alexandria Virginia, Robyn D. Lockett of Columbus Ohio, Tiffany N. Lockett of Dallas, Texas and Brooke R.Mc. Anderson (Cha’ssem) of Durham North Carolina. Seven grandchildren: Philip Lockett, Darwin Lockett, Steven Ross, Myles Ross, Andrew Ross, Payge Lockett, and Brooklinn Anderson. Two great-grandchildren Royce T. Ross and Brooklyn K.M. Lockett. Cherished sister Jennifer L. Stoudmire of Columbus Ohio. Treasured brother-in-law, Dion Norman of Columbus Ohio. As well as a close-knit host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 12:00 PM at McGaw Chapel, 340 E. University St. Wooster with William Lockett officiating. Friends will be received on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
Online condolences may be left at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Sending love and prayers to the family of Sylvia, I’ve known Sylvia since first grade and always loved and admired her. She was a very special lady and an inspiration to all. I know she is in Heaven reunited with Roy. I’m having some difficulty expressing my thoughts but know that I loved her as a dear friend. Fly high with the angels, Sylvia! Sally Emlong
This is such sad news. Sylvia was a kind, sweet lady. We graduated together in 1961. She will be missed.
Tiffany –
Thinking of you and your family!
So sorry to learn that Sylvia has passed away. We met in Jr high. We cheered together from 7th grade through our Senior year in high school. She had so much spirit and a wonderful sense of humor! My deepest sympathy to the family! Our never forget her wonderful laugh!!
Sending my deepest condolences to the family. So sorry for your loss. Ms. Sylvia was a friend to all. Praying for strength, comfort, and peace. Love y’all.
I grew up next to Sylvia and Roy or Mr and Mrs Lockett as I always knew them. As a friend of their grandchildren Zach and Phillip my memories of her are filled with love. She was a wonderful woman and her family was a reflection of that. Sending my love to all of them.
Soror Sylvia Lockett, thank you for being a surrogate mom for me and so many College of Wooster students. I am because of you and the caring Black Faculty and Staff at Wooster. Wooster was a much different environment than my hometown of Cleveland and I was often homesick. Thank you for being so loving and helping me acclimate to the culture of Wooster. You will forever be loved.
My heart goes out to the entire Lockett family. Mrs Lockett loved fiercely and instilled that love and strong faith in her family. She walked with such integrity and grace, and was still very down to earth of understanding she will be greatly missed. Heaven got a real one. Rest in power queen🙏🏿❤️
Mrs. Lockett,
There are no words that can express my feelings of sorrow. Your mother had a special way of greeting me that continued into my adulthood, and when she
passed you continued to greet me in the same way, and that meant so much to me. I have so many special memories with your family, you gave me my first babysitting job,always gave
me encouragement and
that smile could light up
the sky!! My prayers go up for your family and I pray God surround them with comfort and strength. RIH Mrs. Lockett.❤️💖
My condolences to the Lockett family. Rest in Heaven I know Roy is happy to see you.
I was fortunate to be one of the Washington Street kids living next door to the Saunders which meant being raised by all those wonderful neighbors. Sylvia and Jennifer were always teaching us something new and fun. Everyone should have the experience of feeling the love we all had for each other. This saddens me greatly but I hope all of your precious memories will get your family through this difficult time.
Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. My sympathy and condolences for the loss of your beloved Mother, Sylvia, but celebrate tears of joy for her LIVING! She was a beautiful woman! And, her freckles were just as beautiful as her smile, her laugh and her kindness to all.
Our condolences to the Lockett family.
Spencer & Stella Gray
I remember Sylvia from high school. A beautiful person, warm and enthusiastic about life. She made a lasting impression on me.
So so sorry to hear of your mother passing I was so honored to babysit you girls when your were all small it was an honor your mother had a beautiful spirit about her and she always smiled. She will be greatly missed love all of you and praying that the Lord gives you comfort
I was always impressed by Sylvia. Her athleticism, intelligence, personality, and that hearty laugh.
My deepest condolences to the Lockett family.
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. My heartfelt condolences to Miss Sylvia’s family and friends. Prayers for your peace and God’s everlasting comfort as you navigate this difficult time.
Sylvia was a sweet lady. I worked with her at Elder Beermans and always enjoyed talking to her. She will be missed. My condolences to her family.
My heart is full as I attempt to put down in words how Sylvia’s passing has affected me as my memory is overcome with thoughts and pictures of all of us in our backyards playing. We loved Sylvia, Jennifer, Duke, and Iris. Sylvia’s was like a big sister, full of love and laughter. Thank you for the memories and your light. Lawrence, Regina and Adrianne Walker
My Sincere and Deepest Condolence, to Family and Friends 🙏+ 💕 ….!! Sylvia had A Divine and Beautiful Spirit’.. She was such an Inspiration to be around. She was LOVED by ((ALL_)) of Our Classmates”,🌹❤️🌹❤️🌹❤️🌹.!! LOVED by EVERYONE……. ….. that knew HER….💔
So sorry to hear of the loss of Sylvia. She was such a sweet girl and a good friend to all. My heart goes out to her family. I noticed that Sylvia was born exactly one day after me. I enjoy the memories of our high-school days. She truly was a shining example to all who knew her. Rest in peace Sylvia.
Sincere Condolences & Prayers for the Lockett Family. Sylvia is a beautiful spirited person both inside & outside.
I was so hurt and sadden about the passing of my cousin Sylvia my heart and prayers go out to my family. Love you all dearly.
I am laughing and crying at the same time. I can’t put into words the joyous memories Sylvia and her family have given me and my family. Dance into your tomorrows with that beautiful smile on your face.
Sylvia’s family, you have my sincere sympathy and prayers. Grew up in the neighborhood and remember so many great times.
Love to all.
My heart aches at Sylvia’s passing; but, great memories of my Cousin Roy, Sylvia and Family. Our shared vacations, visits and Family times were filled with laughs and joy throughout our lives–unforgettable. Until, we can hug, laugh and dance once again. Love, Reggie
I was a WHS freshman while Sylvia was a senior. I was in awe of her energy, her intelligence, her athleticism, her kindness and her zest for life.
Sylvia lived a life well where she continued to give far more than she received. Thank you, Sylvia and God bless your survivors.
We’re sending the family our Love and prayers and you have our deepest condolences.
Tambra Cox and family
Sending my deepest condolences to Brooke & the family. So sorry for your loss.
🙏🏾
Condolences and prayers to the family of Mrs. Lockett like so many COW black alumni have attested you were an integral part of our experience. Your words, your push on days of confusion and frustration helped to get many of us to the finish line at the COW including myself for that I am grateful and honor your spirit and impact you have left on so many.
I took a sewing class with Sylvia, many,many years ago at Orrville High School, it was an evening class that turned out to be great fun!
Sylvia made little curtains for her kitchen, they were pink!
She was such a lovely person, I am so glad I got to know her!
Kissi and the locket family.
Send heartfelt prayers to all of you. RIP Sylvia
Sending you all lots of love. My Dad loved your parents so much and spoke of them often. May her memory be a blessing.
Our mostt sincere and deepest condolences to the family.
My thoughts are with you. In times of sorrow, when words of comfort are needed most, it seems they are most difficult to say…
But may you find comfort in knowing that warm thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God continue to keep you in His care.
My sincere condolences to the Lockett family. I will always love you. May the good Lord continue with his blessings.
With sympathy and sincere condolences, I am praying that your family will find peace in knowing the light of such a beautiful spirit lives on in our memories.
My heart weighs heavy over the loss of Mrs Lockett. She was like a mother to me. I use to love to just sit and listen the stories and the knowledge that came from her amazing …..Mrs. Lockett I was listen….thank you and I’m going to miss you😢🙏🏽
Lockett family my heart aches for your loss.
Goodbye is not forever.
Goodbye is not the end.
It only means I’ll miss you.
Until we meet again.
I love you, I miss you Sylvia
Thoughts and prayers are with you
Love you more Auntie Junice
My condolences to the Lockett family and Jennifer Stoudmire family. Praying that the Lord give you the strength, and help that you need to make it through these dark hours. Remember the love that she gave and shared with you and so many others. The hearts she touched, the smiles she created , and the lives she changed. She will be missed. But her memory will live on.
RIP Mrs. Lockett!!! I know Mr. Lockett was there to greet you at the gates. Godspeed my friend, until we meet again!!
Our family is so sorry for your loss.
My colleague and friend, may peace be with you and your family. The “work”
you did speaks for you!!
Carolyn L. Buxton
Our deepest condolences to the Lockett family.
The Best Western Plus Staff
Wooster,ohio
Kissi,
I am so sorry to hear that your mom passed. I remember her so well and truthfully, was always kind of in awe of her–in fact, she reminded me of the women who modeled for the old Virginia Slims, women who were beautiful, stylish, and confident and looked like they had fulfilling careers (forget about the fact that the ads were hawking cigarettes!!). Your mom was like that, she had real presence. And she always had a big smile on her face and was so kind. I only knew her as your mom, so it was good to read about all the other parts of her life that I wasn’t aware of, but which make so much sense. She lived a rich and wonderful life with all of you around her. May her memory and those you and your family shared with her be a blessing to you always.
Beth Taggart