Sylvia Elane Pinkett's Obituary
Sylvia Elane Davis Pinkett was born in Philadelphia, PA on November 17, 1927, and passed away on February 22, 2025, at the Excelcare Nursing Home in Lewes, Delaware after a short illness.
Sylvia was the daughter of Robert (Bud) Davis and Lillie Mae Johnson Davis and grew up on the Millsboro Family Farm. She was one of five children (Inez Burton, Lillian Maull, William Davis and Doris Price). She would often let you know how hard she worked on the farm and in the fields. She was proud of that work and her love for the outdoors.
She received her early education at the Warwick School, now the location of the Nanticoke Indian Museum. After high school, she attended Delaware State College (University) and graduated with a B.A. in Elementary Education. At the age of 42, she received a Master’s Degree from the University of Maryland in Library Science.
Sylvia married William Nadal Pinkett on June 29, 1947, and from that union has a son William Nadal Pinkett, Jr. Both preceded her in death. Her husband was in the Air Force, and she would often reminisce of her world travels with him during that time and in the later years to Europe and the Caribbean.
She worked in education as an elementary school teacher and later as a librarian.
Sylvia was active in her church, Delaware State University Alumni, and the Nanticoke Indian Association. But one of her greatest passions was tracing her family history. She was the Nanticoke Tribe’s Historian and did extensive research of her family and other families in the Millsboro (Oak Orchard) area. From that research, she compiled at least three booklets for distribution.
Sylvia leaves behind lots of nieces and nephews, other family members and friends as well as a loving and caring aid, Carrie Frisby.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, DE 19966, where friends may call from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM for viewing and visitation. Interment will follow at Indian Mission Cemetery, Harbeson, DE.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Sylvia’s memory to the Nanticoke Indian Association, “Scholarship Fund”, 27073 John J. Williams Hwy, Millsboro, DE 19966.
Please visit Sylvia’s Life Memorial at www.watsonfh.com.
** Florists - Please deliver floral arrangements on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 between 1:00 and 2:00 PM.
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