Mrs. Sylvella Loyd Sibley

Sylvella Sibley was the sixth child born to Bromfield and Elizabeth Greer on March 15, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois. The family moved to Kalamazoo, MI during her formative years, where she resided until her death. Sylvella accepted Christ at a young age, under the leadership of Pastor Robinson. She faithfully served as First Lady of New Covenant Church founded by the late Reverend Nathaniel White Sr. In 2002, she became a charter member of Way of Life Christian Center, under the leadership of Jeffrey P. Boggan. At Way of Life, Sylvella continued to introduce many to God’s loving kindness through her love for Him. It was her desire for everyone she met to accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior, and experience His matchless love. Sylvella graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1964. She was affectionately known as “Rosemary” to her classmates and others in the Kalamazoo community. She attended college, vocational school, and many ministry leadership trainings. Sylvella worked as a sales representative for Johnson and Johnson until her retirement. Sylvella had a big heart and was known as a “giver”. She was generous with her both her time and material possessions. She enjoyed helping people experience the beauty of life. When others experienced challenges, she would often be the first person there to assist. She viewed it as her opportunity to do what God desired for us all to do-“love our neighbors as ourselves.” As a result, she never found it a challenge or imposition to give her last to benefit others. She often would contact local businesses, seeking donations to help non- profit agencies. She loved serving the Lord, assisting in the church, decorating, planning weddings and shopping. Sylvella also had a special love beautiful clothes and hats. Sylvella truly loved her family. Aside from her relationship with God, her family was her prize. Sylvella was united in marriage to Aaron Sibley. Also left to cherish her memory are four children from her union to the late Reverend Nathaniel White: Valerie and Jeffery Boggan, Vanessa and Vernon Coakley Jr., Nathaniel and Kimberly White Jr.,all of Kalamazoo, MI; and Rebecca Wendell Smith, of Grand Rapids, MI; nine grandchildren: Sylvella Boggan, Nathaniel White III, Vernon Coakley III, Joe Boggan, Valerie Coakley, JeNessa Boggan, Vincent Coakley, Jordyn Boggan, and Joshua Boggan, all of Kalamazoo, MI; five sisters and one brother: Eddener and Thomas Davis, Elizabeth and Wallace Baker, Bromfield and Carol Greer II, and Gwindland and Elder Richard Worthy, all of Kalamazoo, MI; Martener and Arthur Thompson of Orlando, FL; and Nina Senior of Atlanta, GA, and a host of special nieces, nephews and cousins. Sylvella was preceded in death by her parents, Bromfield Greer and Elizabeth Adams; the father of her children: Reverend Nathaniel White Sr.; and five grandchildren: Kareem DeShawn White, Jeffery Paul Boggan II, Rebecca Marie Smith, Whitney Ann Smith, and Jalen Juan White. Sylvella fought the good fight of faith until she was called home by God, on Wednesday, October 19, 2011. She entered eternal rest peacefully at Rose Arbor Hospice Facility, surrounded by her family. She will be truly missed by her husband, children, grandchildren, siblings, (uncle) Leon and Elizabeth Austin of Chicago, IL; sisters of the heart: Willie White and Nettie Martin; godchildren, Donald West, LaResa Worthy and Kimberly Collins; nieces, nephews, cousins, and spiritual family, as well as a host of friends and loved ones.

Mrs. Sylvella Loyd Sibley

March 15, 1946 - October 19, 2011