WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Willnetta May “Dolly” Sylvester, age 86, of Mendon, died Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022 at Glen Arbor Hospice in Battle Creek after a brief illness. She was born in Butler, Indiana on May 1, 1936 the daughter of Forest and Evangeline (Evert) Harrison. After graduating from Springport High School, she was married to Richard Sylvester on Oct. 9, 1954 in Auburn, Indiana. They resided in Rives Junction, Michigan before moving to Mendon in 1971.
Dolly was a homemaker who also worked at Jackson Automotive, Denton Mills in Centreville, and retired from Continental Accessories in Sturgis. She enjoyed camping and fishing, and was an excellent mushroom hunter. She enjoyed being outdoors, working in her garden, and bird watching. She was a seamstress, and made many clothes for her family. Most recently she enjoyed working on crossword puzzles. She loved animals and rescued several dogs from the animal pound.
Dolly is survived by her husband, Richard; five children, Judy (Frank) Fries of White Pigeon, Lynn (Rick) Brown of Constantine, Richard (Joyce) Sylvester, Jr. of Mendon, Sharon Moore of Mendon, and Sandy (Phil) Albain of Schoolcraft; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four brothers, Lamar Harrison, John Harrison, Tim (Pat) Harrison, and Forest (Tommi) Harrison; two sisters, Josie Lambert and Avis (Gerald) McEldowney; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Andrew Harrison; sister, Tracy Milligan; granddaughter, Casey Moore; and son in law, Roger Moore.
In keeping with her wishes, cremation is being conducted and no services are planned at this time. It is suggested that memorial contributions in her memory be directed to the St. Joseph County Animal Shelter. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com
