Sylesta Mae Jones Smith  was born to the late Willie Lou Stokes on April 7, 1953 in Bamberg, South Carolina. She was raised in the home of her loving grandmother, Lila Crosby. Sylesta  peacefully transitioned on February 27, 2024 and entered eternal rest in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior in Sun City Center, FL. Syslesta  was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sibling and loyal friend. Anyone who knew her knows that her son "Trell", as he is affectionately known, was the "apple of her eye." Sylesta  spent her final days enjoying the comfort and loving care in the home of her dedicated son and daughter-in-law, James Antrell and Tracey Nicole Smith, and adoring grandson, Jamiel, whom all served as her caregivers.

At an early age, Syslesta  joined Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church, Bamberg, South Carolina where she attended faithfully with her family. After moving to Denmark, SC, she transferred her membership to Franklin United Methodist Church and later Faith Ministries, Denmark, South Carolina where she served in various capacities as a dedicated Choir Member, Usher, in the Kitchen Ministry, and organized the "Mother's Corner" devoting time to older Women of the Church. Sylesta had a kind, caring spirit and served anywhere she saw the need. Sylesta remained an active member at Faith Ministries until her health began to fail, and she moved to Tampa, Florida to reside with her son, James (Tracey) Smith.

Sylesta  had a heart of gold and could fill the room with the warmth and brightness of her smile. She accepted Jesus as her personal Savior and knew that he would return for her someday to take her from this earthly tabernacle to her heavenly home.

Sylesta attended the Bamberg County Public School System of Bamberg, South Carolina and graduated with the Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School Class of 1971. She later attended Denmark Technical College, earning an Associate's Degree in Public Service. Sylesta continued her educational pursuits by earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Management from Voorhees College (University), one of her proudest accomplishments she obtained later in life.

Sylesta worked for 20+ years in the Bamberg County School District #2 as Cafeteria Manager where she found joy in preparing delicious meals and sharing her love for cooking and culinary skills. She was indeed an excellent cook! Sylesta shared her nurturing spirit and kindheartedness by serving as Dorm Director at Voorhees College (University) before retiring as Cafeteria Manager at Bamberg Job Corps Center. Touching upon her entrepreneurial spirit and yearn to give back to her community, Sylesta owned and operated the restaurant, Sylesta's Kitchen, of Denmark, South Carolina providing mouthwatering meals that included her delicious macaroni and cheese.

Sylesta was preceded in death by her mother, Willie Lou Stokes; grandmother Lila Crosby; sisters, Emma Jean Baker and Deborah Stokes, and brothers, Levi Stokes and Elijah Stokes.

Sylesta's  loving memory will live on through those who loved her deeply. Left to cherish her memories are her One and Only Son, James Antrell (Tracey) Smith of Tampa, Florida; special grandson whom she adored, Jamiel Smith of the home); grandsons Malik L. Alexander, Marcus T. Alexander, DaShaun K. Williams of Rock Hill SC, beautiful granddaughters, Cali Smith, of Denmark, SC; Mya S. Alexander of Rock Hill SC; goddaughters,  Tekara  Crosby (Jarvas) White Plains, Maryland Diekiylah McGee Chicago, Illinois; siblings, Wendy (Michael) Gary, of Denmark, SC, Mary Carmichael of Orangeburg, SC and Walter (Betty) Stokes of Bingington, NY. She also leaves behind loyal and devoted friends, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, loving relatives, neighbors and friends.