W. Sylvester Harmon's Obituary
In Loving Memory of W. Sylvester Harmon, Jr. “Little Vess”
W. Sylvester Harmon, Jr., affectionately known as Little Vess, was born on December 4, 1942, the only son of deceased parents W. Sylvester Harmon, Sr. and Dorothy Mildred Norwood Harmon in Harbeson, Delaware. Little Vess departed this life on March 3, 2024, at Bayhealth Hospital in Milford, Delaware comforted by a loving family. He was a quiet, reserved, tactical and dedicated entrepreneur with a calm and focused demeanor.
Little Vess attended Warwick #225 elementary school and graduated from William C. Jason Comprehensive High School in 1961. It was his experience in industrial arts at Jason that cultivated an interest in building and construction which led to his enrollment at North Carolina A & T College (University) to pursue a degree in Architecture. It is noteworthy that Little Vess also developed a fascination with cars, specifically remodeling or detailing cars at this time. The interest in cars took precedence over his architectural aspirations, leading to a decision to return home and seek employment at DuPont in Seaford, Delaware. Thereafter, Little Vess soon decided to leave DuPont, follow his instincts, and focus upon building a home and a body shop.
Little Vess soon became the proud owner of Harmon's Body Shop. His steady hands, meticulous, caring nature and tireless work ethic created the formula for a successful body and fender repairman. Little Vess was recognized locally, county and state-wide for his craftsmanship in body and fender repair, but it was his excellence in painting cars that cemented his legacy. In addition to Harmon’s Body Shop, Little Vess ventured into ownership of Indian River Auto Sales.
Little Vess found solace and delight in planting flowers and roses. His yard was a vibrant tapestry of colors, a testament to his passion for nurturing life and beauty. This passion was also evident in the preparation and maintenance of his lawn, a task he always approached with the same diligence as his work. Being a member of the Nanticoke Indian Association, he personally and through his business supported the NIA Dance Troupe and Powwow.
In honoring Little Vess, let us remember the man who found joy in the simplicity of life, who cultivated beauty in every corner of his world, and who tirelessly worked to create a better life for his family and community. May his legacy inspire us to appreciate the small joys, work diligently, and cherish the beauty that surrounds us. Little Vess will be deeply missed but fondly remembered in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.
He is survived by his children, Tonoa Harmon, Stewart Harmon, Adrienne Harmon. Donald Feeney Jr., Junina Sullivan, and Maria Harmon; Grandchildren, Chad Harmon, Gerald Harmon, Cheyenne Wright, and Jazmine Harmon; great grandchildren Jeremia Harmon-Bosley, Julia Negron, Lilah Harmon, Sage Coursey-Harmon, and Sunnie Harmon. Also a special aunt, Marion Harmon, and a host of cousins and friends.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 12:00 PM at St. John Second Baptist Church, Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro, DE. A period of viewing and visitation will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024, at Watson Funeral Home from 6:00 -8:00 PM and at St. John 2nd Baptist Church from 11:00-12:00 PM prior to the start of the service. Interment will be held at Israel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Lewes, DE, immediately following the service.
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