Sylvia L. Lamm

Sylvia L. Lamm July 1, 1940 – October 3, 2021 Lucama native Sylvia L. Lamm ended her earthly life Oct. 3, 2021 at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington, N.C. She was surrounded by her nieces and passed away peacefully following a period of declining health that began in May. Born in Lucama, July, 1940, Sylvia was the youngest child of her family. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ivey Anderson Lamm and Louisa Lamm, and by her siblings: Louise L. Radford of Kenly, NC; Frederick A. Lamm (infant); Josephine L. Beattie of Middletown, CT; Marjorie L. Burgess of Charlotte, NC; Annabelle Wanda L. Moore of Wilmington, NC; and Ivey Alton Lamm of Lucama. Also preceding is youngest niece, Mary Katherine Lamm of Lucama. She is survived by 13 nieces and nephews, and cousins too numerous to name all. Sylvia graduated from Lucama High School, Class of 1958. She attended East Carolina Teachers College (ECU), where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics, Class of 1962. She chose to work in education, and after earning Certification in Library Sciences at UNC-Chapel Hill, began what became a more than thirty-year career as Librarian with Durham City Schools. Sylvia was a member of numerous community and professional organizations, including the National Education Assn., NC Education Assn., NC Retired Teachers Assn., Wilson County Assn. of Retired School Personnel, and the All Seasons Garden Club. A member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority since 1982, Sylvia served as President, Vice-Present, and Secretary, and was twice named Woman of the Year. She was a lifelong member of the American Library Assn., and it was at an ALA Convention that she met and shook hands with Dr. Seuss. A regular contributor to the Home Arts pavilion at the Wilson County Fair, Sylvia won many prizes for recipes, quilts, and home décor, including several Best in Show awards. With her many blue and red ribbons, she created a Ribbon Quilt which was proudly displayed at the Fair. In 2005, Sylvia, a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, organized a dedication of the Stephen Lamm Cemetery to honor Civil War veterans in the Lamm family. Always keeping ties with Lucama, Sylvia maintained the family farmhouse, keeping it a place of hospitality and peace for all family members to enjoy. In 2017 she hosted a 100 Year Anniversary of the Lamm Homeplace, an event which drew Lamm relatives from all across the country. Sylvia was a vibrant, happy person who loved going and doing. She especially enjoyed visiting with friends and family, entertaining, and attending special events, particularly gatherings at the Senior Center. Among her favorites were flowers, cats, and all things NC State. Sylvia was loved by many and will be missed by all. A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will take place on Friday, October 8 at 2 PM at Joyner’s Funeral Home in Wilson with the Reverend Ray Wells officiating. Family will receive friends beginning at 12:30 PM. Pallbearers will be Jeff Burgess, Larry Emery, Dr. Robert A. Moore, III, Lan Nichols, Matthew Owen, and Maurice Radford. Fred Radford will serve as Honorary Pallbearer. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Walk for Hope, “Mary’s Legacy” at 9401 Glenwood Ave. Raleigh, NC 27617 or to the charity of your choice. Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.