Uncrowned Community Builders

Sylvia was the firstborn of the late Stanley and Sophronia Sutton. She was born June 8, 1933 in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1936 she moved to Buffalo, New York with her parents and four siblings. In due course, she attended and graduated from public school #6 in 1947 and Hutchinson Central High School in 1951.

At an early age Sylvia demonstrated a remarkable talent for art, dramatics and story telling. Inasmuch as she was self-confident and outgoing, she frequently put on shows for her siblings and other relatives and friends.

After high school Sylvia moved to New York City and was employed by City Bank. This was the beginning of her distinguished career in the banking industry. It was also in New York City that Sylvia met and married the late James (Jimmy) Moye Jr. In 1956 Sylvia and Jimmy settled in Buffalo, purchased property and found work. Sylvia joined Marine Midland Bank in the same year and rose steadily in job responsibility and status. Ultimately, she achieved the rank of Assistant Vice- President and Manager of Employment Relations.

In 1957, Sylvia received the Black Achievement Award for Banking. This was because she was the first black woman hired in a managerial position. Sylvia was a founding member of the Urban Bankers and started the Youth Opportunities in Banking, an organization whose purpose was to encourage young minorities to pursue a career in banking. After thirty-three years of dedicated service, Sylvia retired from Marine Midland Bank.

Just as she immersed herself thoroughly in her work at the bank, Sylvia was, likewise, very active in community affairs. She was President of the Board of Directors of the Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center, a charter member of the 100 Black Women of Buffalo and Vice President of the Buffalo Urban League Guild. This Guild was instrumental in establishing a coffee house in the Fruit Belt section of Buffalo. It was a noteworthy accomplishment because it occurred during the turbulent decade of the 1960ââ?¬â?¢s when the youth of the area were quite restless and had very few places to gather and socialize. This coffee house met the needs of many of these young people.

After retirement from the bank, Sylvia worked as a Student Advocate for the Buffalo Public Schools. Furthermore, she was very active in the affairs of the Bright Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir and served on various auxiliaries.

Sylvia had the most extraordinary personality. People would meet her for the first time and immediately like her. Besides being self-confident and outgoing, she possessed a keen intellect, was witty, had style and flair and was creative, analytical and articulate. She had the most loving nature and was generous beyond fault. She sent annual donations to all charities; Lung, Alzheimer, Cancer, Diabetes, Lupus, Disabled Veterans, Red Cross, MADD and SADD, Christian Childrenââ?¬â?¢s Fund, Wildlife and SPCA to name just a few. She also gave food and clothing to homeless shelters. In addition, Sylvia was a mentor to many, a friend in deed, an aunt when needed and a special mother to two. She was very candid and set high standards both for herself and others.

When she became ill in 2004, she never complained or felt sorry for herself and she never let her family and friends see her feeling down. She maintained her love of life, her spirit of God and goodwill towards others. On February 2, 2005, God relieved her pain and suffering and gathered her unto His bosom.

The Scriptures read: ââ?¬Å?Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying: this is the way; walk in itââ?¬ (Is. 30:21). Sylvia Leola Sutton Moye heard the voice behind her and she obeyed its command. She walked in it and in so doing, imitated God, to the best of her ability, and tried to be a good Christian role model.