Mr. Sylvester Ansley

Sylvester Ansley aka (Peter) was born on October 30, 1939 in Elmore County, Alabama to the union of Tempie Ansley and Olice McKinney. He moved to Milwaukee, WI with his mother, at an early age, where they joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church. He remained a member there until he returned from the service, met Alicetine Shelby and soon became a member of Metropolitan MBC, under the leadership of both the late Reverend E.M. Kelly, Reverend Willie D. Wanzo, Sr. and Reverend Brandle Marrow. Sylvester was educated within the Milwaukee Public School System and graduated from North Division High School in 1958. After graduation from high school, Sylvester joined the United States Marine Corps and served in active duty and the reserves. He did some technical course work at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) and later pursued a career as an insurance salesman, selling: life, health, property & Casualty insurance for over 35 years. He was employed by Equitable Life Insurance Company (now AXA) for most of his insurance career. He also worked for several other insurance and insurance related companies. Over the years, Sylvester developed a love for gardening, since eating, was his favorite past time. He learned gardening techniques from anyone who would answer his many questions about how they grew their vegetables. Finally, he developed his own style and did gardening his way. He was a hunter of pheasants, ruffed grouse, and occasionally deer. He trained several German Shorthaired Pointers to be his hunting partners. His favorite hunting dog was named Duchess. Together, he and Duchess spent hours hunting and eating under shade trees in the woods. Sylvester also loved singing. As a teen, he and several other fellows spent evenings harmonizing under the street lights. Years later he joined The Gospel chorus at Metropolitan MBC (1969) and began to sing songs of praises to the Lord, which he did for 46 years. He also sang with The Men's Fellowship choir. He sang at insurance conferences and at a few weddings. For many years, Sylvester was the watermelon man at the churches' picnics. His comical personality was in full bloom as he sang his favorite watermelon man song. He loved people and watermelon and thoroughly enjoyed sharing big chilled slices of watermelon on a hot day. Sylvester enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1959, and served a total of 4 years in active duty and Reserves. He was honorably discharged in 1962. After returning home, he met the love of his life, Alicetine Shelby, in a well-known, black owned restaurant named Thelma's Back Door. After three years of courtship they were joined in holy matrimony on August 28, 1965. Friday, August 28, 2015 marked their 50th wedding anniversary. Their union was blessed with two sons, Erik and Anthony (Tabitha) Ansley of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Sylvester has another beautiful family: two daughters, Wanda Boulton (Daniel) of North Carolina and Wendy Ashford (james) of Milwaukee, WI; six grandchildren, Darius (Lindsey) of Milwaukee, WI and Danicia Boulton of North Carolina. Keon, Keyonda, James and Jason Todd, Jr. of Milwaukee, WI; five great-grandchildren, Morgan, Anai, Jaysa and Kennedi of North Carolina and Darius, Jr. of Milwaukee, WI; five brothers, Ulysses Jones (Brenda), Douglas Jones (Rose), Marvin Jones and Reginald Jones all of Milwaukee, WI and Willie Jones of Houston, Texas. After retirement, Sylvester continued to give of his time and service. He volunteered for about two years while helping to plan, organize and served over a year as President of the Independent Resident's Council at VMP Trinity at his former residence. Sylvester Ansley departed this life on Tuesday, August 25, 2015. He was preceded in death by his step-father, Douglas Jones, Sr.; mother, Tempie Jones; and brother, Leon Jones. Sylvester is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Alicetine; sons, Erik and Anthony Ansley (Tabitha); two daughters, Wanda Boulton (Daniel), Wendy (james), six grandchildren; five great- grandchildren; two special friends, James and Loretta Barnes of Palm Beach Garden, Florida; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, a wonderful church family and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mr. Sylvester Ansley

October 30, 1939 - August 25, 2015