Mrs. Sylvia Hairston Sullivan

September 2, 1951 - February 9, 2025

Mrs. Sylvia Hairston Sullivan, 73, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, departed this life on February 9, 2025, after a valiant battle with cancer. Her transition was peaceful, surrounded by the love that defined her life.

Born September 2, 1951, to Braxton Clayborn Hairston, Jr. and E. Rebecca Hairston in Winston-Salem, NC, Sylvia was raised in a home that valued faith, family, education, and community service – principles that would guide her throughout her life. She graduated with honors from Atkins High School, Class of 1969, where she met her high school sweetheart and future husband of 54 years, John W. Sullivan.

A proud alumna of Winston-Salem State University, Sylvia graduated with honors before beginning what would become a distinguished 30-year career at her beloved alma mater. She started as a data processor and through dedication and excellence, rose to retire as a computer analyst programmer.

Sylvia was a devoted member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where her servant's heart found countless ways to help others. Her commitment to community service was exemplified through her work in the church's food pantry and her volunteering at YEEP, where she helped nurture and tutor elementary school children. Her caring spirit extended across continents through her partnership with World Vision African Relief, where she sponsored a young girl named Grace.

After retirement, Sylvia continued to foster community as the leader of the WSSU Retiree Lunch Bunch for several years. She was known for her brilliant mind, humble spirit, and tremendous capacity for love – qualities that drew people to her throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Braxton and Rebecca Hairston; her brother, Charles Hairston, who passed in childhood; and her beloved in-laws, Phyllis Sullivan Linville, Jackie Smith Sullivan, and Alvonzo Cason.

Sylvia leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, John W. Sullivan; two daughters, Shandra Sullivan of Suwanee, GA, and Sherri Sullivan of Charlotte; and the joy of her life, her grandson, Jaye Stackhouse of Atlanta, GA. She is also survived by her brothers, Harold Hairston and Braxton Hairston, III, and twin sisters, Linda and Brenda Hairston, all of Winston-Salem. Her memory will be treasured by her brothers-in-law, James Sullivan, Dexter Sullivan, Kenneth Sullivan (Cynthia), and sister-in-law, Angelyn Hairston.

Throughout her cancer journey, she was blessed with the unwavering support and devotion of her sisters-in-law, Bernese Sullivan-Cason, Peggy Sullivan (Dexter), and Bernadette Hairston, who never left her side. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved aunts, Laura T. Kennedy of Winston-Salem and Eleanor Organ (John) of Colesville, Maryland; her beloved "Golden Girls" – Carolyn Jones, Esther Jones Haggler, and Seresa Smith – who brought light to her days during her illness, will forever hold her memory dear. She also leaves behind a host of loving cousins, nieces, nephews, family, and friends who will deeply miss her presence in their lives.

Sylvia's legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched with her wisdom, grace, and unconditional love. Her life was a testament to the power of education, faith, and service to others.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, February 14, 2025 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00noon Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12:00noon on Saturday at the Church. Interment will be held Monday, February 17, 2025 in Parklawn Memorial Gardens.