Sylvia Diane Credle was born on October 6, 1952, in Ocala, FL, to the late Henry and Willie Mae Lewis. She was the second daughter in their family and was preceded in death by three brothers Joseph and Keith Lewis, and Donald “Popsicle” Coleman. She is survived by her sister Melissa Roy and her uncle, Denzel Donaldson, who was like a brother to her.
Growing up in Ocala, Sylvia was among the first 15 Black students to integrate the Ocala School System during the Civil Rights Era, alongside her brother Donald and uncle Denzel. During this pivotal time, she and her family attended a mass meeting at Covenant Baptist Church in Ocala, where the Honorable Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke. After persevering through that challenging year, she asked her grandparents, Oscar and Lillian, to relocate her to New Jersey to live with her mother, later graduating from Neptune High School - Class of 1970.
Affectionately known as Diane, she lived a life marked by humble beginnings and diverse accomplishments. She worked at a dog grooming salon, served as an executive assistant to Flori Roberts at the Flori Roberts Cosmetic Company, modeled in the 1970s, worked as a customer service representative for Cablevision (Optimum), and was a sought-after substitute secretary for the Neptune School System. Diane was an avid bowler, earning accolades as part of the 300 Club. She was an immaculate dresser, where she dressed for every occasion. Her love for music was evident as an accomplished alto in her years singing with the Seacoast Mass Choir, the Pilgrim Baptist Church Choirs and the Garrison Family Choirs. A devoted Christian, she was baptized at Greater Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in Ocala and later became an active leader of the Worship Ministry at Pilgrim Baptist Church.
She was also preceded in death by her grandparents (maternal) Oscar and Lizzie Donaldson and Willie Lonon and Lillian Donaldson, (paternal) Arthur and Martha Lewis; uncles Alphonso “Ray” McCoy, James E. Roy Jr.; aunts Ida Lee Berry, Pearline Williamson, Hester Thrower, and Glady’s Mormon, in-laws Homer and Willie Credle; and brother in-law Homer Credle III.
She is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Deacon Calvin Credle; bonus daughter, Kelli Credle; sister, Melissa Roy; uncle, Denzel Donaldson; aunts, Linda Lofton, LaVerne Carter (William) and Cheryl Walker; beloved nephews, Adrian Nunn Jr. (Darneice), Kurtis Mobley, KeMaury Mathis; great niece, Brooklyn Nunn; great nephew, Adrian “Trey” Nunn III; godsons, Kaan Williams and David Vaughn; cherished sister in Christ, Bertha Williams-Pullen; in-laws Annabelle Credle, Wilhelmina D. Vaughn (Ostein), James A. Credle (Janella), Sandra E. Walker, Theodore K. Credle (Toby); and a host of cousins to include Joyce, Randy, Billy, Roz, Michael, David, and Bev, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Her legacy of faith, perseverance, and love will be cherished by all who knew her.
