Rena Blanche Sylvester

Rena Blanche Sylvester, 91, of Metuchen, NJ - devoted wife, cherished mother, and unwavering woman of faith, was the daughter of the late Raymond Branch Hill and Willie Mae Briggs. She departed this life in the early morning hours of May 21, 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined by unconditional love, joyful service, and sacrificial devotion to her family. Born in Plainfield, NJ, she moved early on with her parents and sisters to Petersburg, VA where she was raised. She graduated from Peabody High School in Petersburg and shortly after, at age 18, she set out for New York City where she met and married Anthony Beresford Sylvester. The two eventually moved to New Jersey and went on to raise 6 children. Rena’s life was anchored by her deep love for the Scriptures, a passion she shared early and often with her children. She spent hours reading Bible stories to her young children, planting seeds of faith through colorful illustrations that would last a lifetime. A defining milestone in Rena’s life occurred in April 1975, when she fully embraced her Christian faith. In a beautiful moment of clarity, she recognized that no amount of personal effort or good works could ever earn her a place in heaven. She accepted the life-changing truth that salvation is a gift of pure grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ alone. This profound assurance shaped the rest of Rena’s days and radiated through everything she did. As a fiercely devoted wife and mother, Rena poured her heart and soul into her home, raising her children with boundless energy and patience. She lived out her faith in the trenches of daily life. Rena was the definition of selflessness, consistently and joyfully putting her family’s needs entirely above her own. Her faithfulness and lifelong commitment as a parent shaped her children into the people they are today. While Rena will be missed beyond measure by her children, extended family, and all who knew her, her family does not grieve without hope. They comfort themselves with the absolute certainty that she is far better off today, standing peacefully in the presence of her Savior. Rena B. Sylvester was preceded in death by her husband, the late Anthony B. Sylvester. She leaves to cherish her memory, five sons: Raymond A. (Beverly) of Iselin, NJ; Vincent B.(Denise) of Atlanta, GA; Michael A. (Deborah) of Keansburg, NJ; David A. (Sandra) of Chesterfield, VA; Carl K. (Dulce) of Iselin, NJ; a daughter, Lisa Y. of Metuchen, NJ; a sister, Evelyn Windley of Petersburg, VA; eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Rena Blanche Sylvester

March 13, 1935 - May 21, 2026