Sylvia Jean McKinney, also known as “Mac,” was born on May 12, 1957, to the late Rosa Lee Roberts McKinney and Louis E. McKinney Sr., in Warwick County (Fort Eustis), Virginia.
At the tender age of 9, Sylvia was baptized and became a lifelong member of St. John Baptist Church in the East Williamsburg area. When Sylvia’s health prevented her from physically attending services, she faithfully attended services virtually.
She was educated in the York County School System, graduating from York High School in 1975. She furthered her education at Virginia Union University, obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in Education. After a period of time in the education field, Sylvia pursued a career with Canon Virginia Inc., where she retired after thirty years of dedicated service.
Sylvia was a dedicated and hardworking historian for many families in the “757” area and kept up with all of the happenings in the area. Many knew her as the local “Facebook Queen,” as she was a social butterfly whose smile would light up any room she was in. She was fun-loving and easy to get along with. Whenever you would call and ask her what she was up to, she would reply with “Just Chillin.” She truly loved to talk, and if you called her, you should have been ready to talk for a while. Sylvia was also a loyal Washington Redskins fan and enjoyed cheering on her team. She truly loved her home community of Carver Gardens, also referred to as Ground Zero. This is where her community roots were planted, lifelong friendships cultivated, and the phrase “It’s a CG thing” was made. She truly enjoyed working on the CG Reunion committee as well as the Roberts Family Reunion. She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.
She leaves to cherish fond memories: her son, Wayne “Weezy” D. Wyatt Jr.; brother, Louis E. McKinney Jr. (Towana); sister, Barbara Anne Dawson; granddaughters, Kyiah Noel Torres and Chanel Skipper; grandsons, Xavier Wyatt and Denver Skipper; her aunt (who was like a big sister), Eleanor “Aunt Toots” Roberts Banks; her cousin (who was also like a big sister), Gayle Wright; a special cousin Shannon Vaughan; special friends, Linda, Sonia, Edwina, Harriet, Rev. Dr. Ray Gresham, and Roseanne; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and a host of cousins, other loving relatives, the Canon Virginia family, and friends.
