In the cool of winter, on 20th October, 1932, the first child of the late Charles and Helena Taylor (nee Douglas) was born. She was given the regal name, Sylvia Elizabeth Taylor. She was the first of three daughters. As the child of devout Anglicans, she was baptized at St. Agnes Anglican Church, New Providence. As she grew in years and herself became steeped in the Anglican tradition, she was also confirmed there. As is the custom today, when an Anglican family relocates from one neighbourhood to another, the nearest Anglican church becomes their new church home. And so it was that St Barnabas became the home church of Sylvia and her family.
Sylvia attended the Western Senior School. After completion, she began her working career with employement at the Royal Victoria Hotel where she gain vast experience both in the area of housekeeping and the culinary arts. She was later acknowledged as one of Nassau's best cooks. Sylvia also worked in Prospect Ridge in many private homes. Her name became a household name for the Rubrus family where she worked until they retired and relocated to the UK. At that time, in the seventies, Sylvia embarked upon a new career path, by going into the retail clothing arena. She was employed with the International Men's Wear Store on Bay Street. After a few years, her work ethics were noticed and rewarded as she moved to The Britannia Boutique on Paradise Island. She remained at the Boutique until she officially retired.
It was then that Sylvia returned to her passion "COOKING." She made it her final career choice by becoming a neighbourhood entrepreneur. She produced some of the most mouth watering dishes. If you ever asked her how she was able to fry a chicken so dry, but yet so moist, she would remind you to "always let it fry for eight minutes on each side – and you can't go wrong." Her customers came from near and far for her dinners and renowned cups, salty, chips and home made pound cake.
Sylvia's life was well balanced, and at the heart of it was her church. She became a member of the ACW over fifty years ago, and the Auxillary from its inception. She was an original member of the Usher Board and up to about three weeks before her passing, she walked to the Tuesday morning Mass at St. Barnabas, week after week. Sylvia also worked tirelessly for several civic organizations of which she was a member. The Alpha Temple #909 and Miriam Chapter #793 Commonwealth Mason & Order of Eastern Star. Again she was a founding member of the Rum Cay Social Club along with the late Clyde Bethell, their initial meetings, cook-outs, etc. being held at her home.
Although she was always very quiet, she was also always willing to help others whether they were family or strangers. Sylvia had no children but her nieces and nephew were her life. The Name "Siah" was given to her by her eldest niece, Karen, who only called her "Siah" because she couldn't say "Aunt Sylvia" at an early age. From that time on she became known by family and friends by that name. Her home was open to all of the children and grand-children of her sisters. Many resided with her over the years. Karen, Rhonda, Cornell and Carol and most recently Secarra and Aries. Her nephew, Jeffrey over the last few years took special care of her along with her niece, Karen. Her sister, Susan ensured that a hot meal was taken to her.
Sylvia depended on her God and trusted Him for everything. During the last weeks of her life she called on him more and more, wanting to see Him face to face. Sylvia became ill and her condition quickly deteriorated. She was taken to the Princess Margaret hospital on Sunday, 26th July 2015 and on Monday, 27th July, 2015 at 6:28 p.m. she went to her heavenly reward. May she rest in peace.