Sylvia Pearl (Smith) Appiagyei

Sylvia Pearl Appiagyei, affectionately known as Aba, was born on July 3, 1947 in Kumasi, Ghana to Victor Bruce-Smith aka Abeiku from Elmina and Grace Hagan from Ekufi Narkwa, in the Central Region. Growing up in Kumasi as an elder sibling, she spent her formative years with her Late mother Grace and the Late Kwasi Adjei learning to cook and helping to take care of her younger siblings. Her education was completed at Kumasi Girls Boarding School, where she made many life-long friendships.  She was also a 100-meter runner and hurdler.  She also indulged in knitting and was stylish and skillful with her crafted creations.

Maa Sylvia was a meticulous dresser and loved spending time with family and friends. She participated in devotionals and prayer circle calls daily. With a naturally bold personality, yet at times shy, she was an independent woman full of zest and an advocate for Unity.  She was a woman after God’s own heart.

Dreaming of coming to America, she arrived in 1976 with her husband, the late Patrick Appiagyei, with whom she raised their only child, Persis Appiagyei. They lived in Boston with friends and later moved to Dallas, TX.  Upon arriving in Texas, she completed her business management certification at Allstate Business School.  Shortly after, she started her own clothing and accessories business while working at Mostek Corporation for over 10 years. 

Maa Sylvia dreamt of becoming a nurse midwife; however, while attending Richland College, she realized a passion for nutrition and business. She completed her Food and Nutrition Science certification in Food Service Management. She worked in nutrition and administration for Kraft Foods and Parkland Hospital and later worked for Kai Heart Home Health for over 40 years of service, before retiring at 65. 

She lived her life volunteering within her community, advocating for healthy lifestyles and spreading God’s Love.  She loved cooking and often cooked for others. She was a mother figure to her siblings and the community, offering advice as needed.  She was a church usher and choir member for North Dallas Community Bible Fellowship, where she was a member for over 25 years. Maa Sylvia genuinely enjoyed studying God’s word and was delighted in participating in the national biblical studies program, Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) International.  She also participated in the Jewish Community Center Senior Club.  Maa Sylvia was very industrious as such, she touched many life’s financially back in Ghana and here in America.

Maa Sylvia was a God-fearing woman with a tenacious spirit.  She transitioned from this life to the presence of her Savior on November 25, 2020 surrounded by family and friends.  Maa Sylvia Appiagyei leaves to cherish her memories while celebrating her life, her only daughter, Persis Appiagyei, grandsons, Elijah and Everett Ceasar  Savoy (Dallas, Tx), sisters, Eunice Adjei and Priscilla Owusu (Ghana), Donna Adjei and Ruth Adjei (London), brothers, Francis Osei and Obed Adjei (Dallas, Tx), The Adjei Family (USA, Canada, London, and Ghana), The Hagan Family (Ghana), The Appiagyei Family (Ghana) and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Maa Sylvia devoted her life as a soldier for God’s army. 

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