Sylvia Roper Custer passed away on December 15, 2020 in the comfort of her home in Newport News, surrounded by her beloved family after a surprising and short battle with cancer.  Sylvia was the foundation of fellowship for her family and loved bringing people together to celebrate holidays and special events. A lifelong resident of Newport News and graduate of Warwick High School, Longwood College and Virginia Tech MBA program, Sylvia was a school teacher at Hampton High School and Ferguson High School for over 30 years. After retiring from the public school system, Sylvia went on to develop college level curriculum programs at Thomas Nelson Community College. Sylvia was an active and passionate member of many organizations, holding various leadership positions in the following: Delta Kappa Gamma sorority, Peninsula Garden Council, Alice Applewhite Garden club, Hilton Village Jr. Women’s Club and many others. Sylvia was a devoted member of Warwick Memorial United Methodist Church for over 40 years and loved her church family. One of Sylvia’s most beloved activities was her monthly bridge club with lifetime friends who had been together for over 50 years.  “Sweet Sylvia” as she was affectionately called by many, lived her life committed to the philosophy of “It is better to Give than to Receive” and her genuine love of people and life will be missed by all who had the privilege of being her friend.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry & Margaret Roper; her sister Patricia Overman and her husband, Beverly and her brothers-in-law, Gerald Setty and Michael Donald. She is survived by her husband, Alan Lee Custer of 59 years; her son, Timothy William Custer and his wife, Hallie and granddaughter, Caitlyn; daughter, Stephanie Lynn Custer and grandsons, Samuel and Jacob; brothers, Henry N. Roper and his wife, Janet and Douglas Roper and his wife, Beth; sisters, Nancy Setty and Margie Donald and Diane Merryman and her husband, Daryl and 14 nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.

Donations may be made in memory of Sylvia to the Riverside Hospice Foundation.  A private family service will be held at Weymouth Funeral Home. Burial will take place in Peninsula Memorial Park.