Mrs. Lemelin of Matthews, NC went home to be with her Lord Jesus on December 15, 2018.
Sylvia was born September 12, 1937 to John and Louise “Penny” Pennell. After graduating from Coker University, she became a flight attendant and was based in Boston where she met a pharmacist, Dan Lemelin, who would become her husband and the love of her life.
With the arrival of three sons, her life’s purpose focused on serving her Lord in two main areas: her family and her church. She chose to have a home that was joyful and peaceful and to be intentionally involved in her family’s lives. This would involve attending many ball games: T-ball, baseball, football, basketball, and gymnastics meets. But, more importantly, the life lessons she could instill in their boys on how to follow God’s principles when responding to a referee’s wrong call or remembering how it felt when you missed the “would be” winning basket so you would show compassion in the future to another player, to be honest in all things…. The fruit of their parents’ labors are evidenced today in the lives of three men of integrity.
During these years too, she was using the talents God had given her. She used her beautiful voice to sing in choirs over 50 years. She used the genuine love she had for teenagers to teach them in youth groups at church. With her ability to make them laugh and feel loved, they were drawn to her. She taught them scripture by word and example, listened to their problems and gave wise counsel over 20 years.
She had a unique sense of humor that meant fun and laughter, her gifts to all those around her. Is it any wonder her grandchildren loved their Mimi and she delighted in them. She was a loving sister and a faithful friend who knew how to love unconditionally, a rare and valued gift.
Her parents, her husband, Dan and grandson Dawson Lemelin were waiting in Heaven for her.
Those remaining to carry on her legacy are three sons; Greg Lemelin and , wife Meg, of Kannapolis; Jeff Lemelin and wife, Christina, of Charlotte; Chris Lemelin and wife, Christy of Raleigh; 9 grandchildren; 2 brothers: John Pennell and, wife, Patsy, of South Carolina, and Sam Pennell and wife, Patsy of South Carolina and many nephews and nieces.
A Celebration of Sylvia’s life will be at Calvary Church beginning at 3:00PM, Friday, December 21, 2018. Visitation will begin one hour prior to service time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary Church
5801 Prineville-Matthews Rd
Charlotte, NC 28226