Sylvia B. Hamlin

Sylvia Bruce Phillips Hamlin, the first born of the late Willie Edward and Grace Irene Ghee Phillips was born on May 31, 1938 in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. Sylvia, affectionately called Bruce, entered into eternal peace and rest on Sunday, July 9, 2017. Before Sylvia's third birthday, the young Phillips family migrated to Baltimore City. Later they resided on the Eastside, Westside and Cherry Hill communities. At the age of twelve, Sylvia was baptized at Faith Baptist Church. Sylvia attended and graduated from Dunbar High School in February 1957. While attending Dunbar, Sylvia discovered two major joys in her life-participating in the Pauline Wharton Choir and meeting Robert Hamlin, Jr., the love of her life. Shortly, after graduation, Bruce and Robert were united in holy matrimony on April 14, 1957. She then joined Robert at New Friendship Baptist Church. This loving and dedicated union of thirty-one years produced four beautiful children: Renee Yvonne, Cheryl Ann, Robin Tamara and Robert Hamlin III. As a young woman, Sylvia possessed the qualities and sense of responsibility that characterized her as a dedicated and devoted mother and wife. Throughout her professional business career, she was employed by the State of Maryland, C&P Telephone CO., and the Baltimore City Public School System, as an Educator, where she had he pleasure of teaching her two younger children. The Hamlins settled down in their first home at 2929 Kirk Avenue. This location placed them in close proximity to the Huber Memorial United Church of Christ. On October 6, 1968, the Hamlin family was received into full membership by Pastor Robert C. Meissner and the Huber Memorial Congregation. Sylvia was a diligent and conscientious servant of the Lord. She served as Church Secretary, Brownie Leader, Choir Member, Sunday School Teacher, Church Council Secretary and Director of Christian Education. Over time, social conditions began to impact both the neighborhood and church populations. The congregation of the Church and the neighborhood transitioned to become predominantly African-American; the congregation declined to approximately fourteen members. Sylvia was one of these dedicated members who was determined to keep the Church alive.She used her natural talents of cooking, sewing, crocheting, organizing bazaars, and church dinners, to help the Church survive. After much prayer, a young Minister, P.M. Smith was sent by Godly Intervention and the rest is history. Robert and Bruce retied to Virginia in April 1988. After Robert's passing on May 11, 1988, Bruce joined her family's ancestral church, New Grove Baptist Church, pastored b Reverend Curtis Bagley, Jr. There she became an active member of the choir, substitute Sunday School Teacher and a member of the Missionary Circle. Sylvia Bruce retained her membership with the Huber, remaining active in Tuesday morning Bible Study and Champions of the Faith. Sylvia truly loved serving The Lord, her family, her Church Families and her friends. She leaves to cherish her memory; three daughters, Renee Gaston (Kenneth), Cheryl Hamlin, Robin Moore (James) and one son, Robert III (Angela); nine grandchildren, Candyce, Crystal, Kenneth, Jr. (Lillian), Gabrielle, Brandon, Janae, Destiny, Robert IV, Aliya, one grand-puppy, Onyx; three great-grandchildren, Kendal, Kameron, and Noah; two sisters, Annie Phillips, Edna Mack (Eddie), one brother, Gregory (Pamela) and sisters-in-law, Joyce Hamlin Black, Gail Phllips (Dickie, d.); two Aunts, Sallie Ghee, Pauline Ghee, one Great Aunt, Estelle Bell; Nieces, Wanda, Terry, Wendi, Roni, Rae: Nephews, Demetric, Deante (Pallbearers), Godchildren; Stacey, George, Rachel and a host of devoted relatives and friends.

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Sylvia B. Hamlin

May 31, 1938 - July 9, 2017