Sylvester Leftwich, 73, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, leaving behind a profound legacy of integrity, hard work, and deep devotion to his family. A man of quiet strength and absolute reliability, Sylvester was the steady anchor for those he loved, commanding respect through his actions, his lifelong work ethic, and his unwavering commitment to his roots.

Sylvester’s life was built on strong foundations and resilience. Though he experienced the loss of his father, George, at a young age, his mother, Annie, later remarried James Ford, Jr, building a lively and loving household where Sylvester grew up alongside his nine brothers and sisters. It was within this large family that he learned early on the enduring values of community, loyalty, and connection.

Early in Life, Sylvester accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, where he was baptized and began a lifelong walk of faith. He loved singing, praising and dancing before the Lord, never hesitating to let the world know that he was a faithful soldier for Christ.

Sylvester graduated from Sharples High School in 1970, where he made history as one of the few black valedictorians in the school’s history. His academic achievement reflected his dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.

He carried that focused mindset to Marshall University, proudly graduating and channeling his sharp intellect into a distinguished 47-year career as an accountant and auditor. He split his decades of dedicated service between Union Carbide/Dow Chemical and the State of West Virginia, earning a reputation as a man of absolute precision who always valued a job well done.

While he took great pride in his professional life, Sylvester’s greatest partnership and true joy was the life he built with his beloved wife, Evalene. Together, they shared a foundation of deep love and devotion. He was a fiercely proud and supportive father to his four children: Marlon, Jermaine, Janelle, Rodney, and honorary daughter Pam. His legacy of guidance, strength, and love continues to shine brightly through his three cherished grandchildren: Trinity, Roman, and Ansley.

Sylvester loved good food, good fellowship and making memories with family. He often never turned down an opportunity to enjoy a good meal surrounded by the people he loved. His laughter was contagious, his spirit was joyful, his presence brought warmth and love. While he was well known for arriving a little late, those who knew him also knew they could always count on him. He always showed up when he was needed.

Outside of his career and family, Sylvester possessed a lifelong passion for sports, particularly football and basketball. He spent countless hours analyzing the strategy of the game, but above all, he was a fiercely loyal Detroit Lions fan. True to the spirit of the franchise, he was a beautifully realistic, slightly pessimistic supporter—deeply invested in every game, even when he was entirely convinced they would find a way to test his patience in the final minutes.

Sylvester was steady, reliable, and uniquely himself. He remained steadfast in his faith. Even in his final days, Sylvester faithfully worshipped and fellowshipped online with New Vision Missionary Baptist Church. His consistency, sharp wit, quiet presence, unwavering love for God, joyful spirit, and enduring faith will be profoundly missed by his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his large circle of siblings, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; George Leftwich and Annie Leftwich Ford; step-father James Ford, Jr; and two sisters; Georgiann Leftwich and Marion Leftwich.

A service to honor and celebrate Sylvester's life will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 7, 2026 at Handley Funeral Home in Danville, WV; with services officiated by Rev. Audie Murphy. Burial to follow in Boone Memorial Park in Madison, WV.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Repass to follow at New Vision Missionary Baptist Church, 380 3rd St, Madison, WV 25130.