Sylvia Daniel

Sylvia Daniel, aka “Master Daniel” in the Martial Arts world and “Sly” to her East Carolina Pirate class of 1976, took God up on his promise on June 19, 2018.

Sylvia was born August 18, 1954 in the eastern North Carolina town of Wilson. Her work ethic was shaped as the daughter of tobacco farmers. Her father, the late Jarvis Preston Daniel and Mother, the late Mattie Pearl Capps, instilled family values and southern traditions which Sylvia was very proud of. Sylvia also inherited the Daniel, “dry sense of humor” which entertained all who had the privilege to know her.

Sylvia earned a B.S. degree in Environmental Health from East Carolina University, then went on to earn a Master's in Public Health Administration degree at UNC Charlotte.

She was public servant for 3 decades for Mecklenburg County, and a notable figure within the Environmental Health field. Upon her retirement she was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by the Governor of North Carolina for her many accomplishments over the years and for the tremendous impact she had upon Mecklenburg County’s environmental health.

Sylvia enjoyed cycling, hiking, sailing, traveling, and volunteer work. She was an animal lover/rights advocate and adored her feline companions, Sweet Pea and Luna. She also had a passion for the arts….Martial arts. She was trained by a student of the infamous Bruce Lee. She was a natural, with the disciple, to become a Master, 5th degree Taekwondo certified instructor and Black Belt certified instructor for Combat Hapkido. She was also a certified instructor for Filipino Martials arts and Tai Chi for arthritis.

Along with her parents, Sylvia is preceded in death by her brother, Jarvis L. Daniel.

She is survived by her sister, Vicki J. Daniel, niece, Anna Leigh Daniel, nephews, Stephen Matthew Daniel (Rachel) and Christopher Preston Daniel, and aunt, Mary Virginia Watson.

Sylvia also leaves behind her Best friend, Kelly Eanes of Cornelius, NC, and lifelong friends, Nancy Hill, Jane Parker and Lisa Wilson, who all helped support Sylvia during her illness.

Sylvia will be missed terribly but we find comfort knowing that she is now pain free and at peace in heaven.

A visitation will be held Friday, June 29, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Huntersville, NC.

Memorial Donations may be made to the Cornelius Animal Shelter or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Lake Norman.