Obituary of Doris Jane Sye

Doris Jane Boardley Sye was born April 8, 1931, in Wilmington, Delaware, the oldest daughter of the late John “Freckles” James and Marguerite Boardley James. Doris was educated in the Public Schools of Wilmington, and attended the notable Howard High School, the only high school for African Americans in the state of Delaware. At Howard High she was introduced to a classical curriculum, cultural activities, and vocational training. Doris’s family relocated to New Jersey, where she met and married the love of her life, the late James Robert “Bobby” Sye. They were blessed to be the proud parents of two beautiful children, Betty and Mitchell. Doris was a doting Mother, who cherished raising her children and relished being an intricate part of their lives. Unlike many parents she was elated to live with her adult daughter and granddaughter for many years, “The Three Musketeers”. Doris loved the culinary arts; her foodie enthusiasm steered her to work as a Food Service Specialist for the Santa Monica-Malibu California Unified School District. Her love for cooking inspired her to establish a home-based catering business while living in California.. After a decade on the west coast, Bobby and Doris returned to New Jersey, assuming a vital role in support of their daughter and son-in-law, in the establishment, operation and success of their new business. When the family left the business, Doris worked and retired from the New Jersey Department of Human Services –Vineland Developmental Center. Never being one to indulge idleness, in retirement Doris volunteered as a Foster Grandparent for the Gateway Head Start Program of Vineland. Typical of Doris, she adored “the little people” and worked with the program for fifteen years, earning the admiration of her coworkers and the unbridled love of the children. Doris was extremely proud of her lifelong affiliation with Mt. Pisgah AME Church and was endeared to her church family. Being among the membership to march from the old to the new sanctuary was a memorable highlight of her church life. She served faithfully as a member of the Steward and Mother Board. Doris leaves to cherish and honor her memory, her devoted and loving daughter and indefatigable caregiver, Betty Ann Sye; son, Mitchell Sye, Sr.; grandchildren, L’Tanya Yvette Jones, Katrina Sye Maddox, and Mitchell Sye, Jr.; adoring sister Constance Boardley Tobin; sister-in-law, Marion Petway; a lifelong and dearest best friend, Eddie Harris; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and extended family. “We celebrate Doris’s transition from labor to reward and will forever cherish her memory, for she was truly a beacon of light to all that knew and loved her.”