Sylvia Davis Lee, age 71, of Burgaw and formerly of Keysville, Virginia died Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center following a lengthy illness.

She was born September 2, 1938 in Duplin County, the daughter of June Brown Davis of Burgaw and the late Woodrow Wilson Davis. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Daria Lynn Crenshaw and brothers, James Davis and Carroll Davis.

Surviving in addition to her mother are her daughters, Gina Lea Doty (Terry) of Cadyville, New York and Kellie Diane Fonte of Beaufort, North Carolina; grandchildren, Megan Crenshaw of Henderson, John Crenshaw of Victoria, Virginia, Shannan Lee of Crewe, Virginia, Kristen Lee and Brittany Lee both of Beaufort; great grandchildren, Dallas Bennington of Crewe, Virginia and Tritan Lee of Beaufort and brother, Richard Edward Davis (Deborah) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Sylvia loved her family and friends dearly. She found great joy in nature's wonders all around her. Her artistic talents soared with every brush stroke on her oil canvases during her oil painting classes capturing the creation of plants, animals and different landscapes. Sylvia's love of people showed in her bright blue eyes and caring smile, and optimistic verses such as "Tomorrow will be a better day." Her quiet ways made her a great listener; and we can learn from her that giving of oneself is the greatest selfless loving act to show you truly care.

Sylvia's family is grateful for all the care, support and prayers from her art class, her friends at the Scotchman Store, and from the entire staffs at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Pender Memorial Hospital, Mariner Health and Huntington Health.

Funeral service will be Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Wayne Dyer officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home immediately following the funeral service until 8:30 p.m.

Graveside service and burial will be Friday at 3:00 p.m. at Kenbridge Heights Cemetery, Kenbridge, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given to Hospitality House of Wilmington, 1612 Medical Center Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.