Sylvia Morris Deese

Sylvia Morris Deese, affectionately known as “Mama Deese,” passed away Sunday, March 18, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. Born September 24, 1949 to the late Curtis Melvin Morris and Dorothea Bridges Morris she was a lifelong Charlottean.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Gene Deese, two sons, Chad Deese and wife Cameron of Charlotte, NC (Trystan, Finnlay) and Justin Deese and wife Jordan of New Bern, NC (Piper, Silas, Isla), and one daughter Ashley Howard and fiancé Chris Blalock of Oak Island, NC (Gabby, Lilly). She is also survived by many in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends that she considered family.

Sylvia met the love of her life, Gene, before graduating high school at West Mecklenburg in 1967. They married on May 20, 1972. They spent 52 wonderful years together.

After years of working in various teaching, retail, administrative, and security positions, Sylvia found her career calling with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. She began her career working in gun permits in 1991 and was sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff in 1992. She served her community with commitment, pride, and compassion for over 25 years.

Sylvia was passionate about her off-duty work. She considered it an honor to serve and protect the community and treated everyone she met like family. She was known for her cheerful smile and warm hugs, and you could always count on her for a treat. She spent many years working Calvary Church, Chili’s, Harris Teeter, Christ Lutheran Church, and Wells Fargo among many others. She also kept her beloved Panther players safe at every home game since 1997.

Visitation will be held at Thrift Baptist Church located at 8415 Moores Chapel Road in Charlotte beginning at 4pm on Friday, March 23, 2018 until 8am Saturday, March 24, 2018. Funeral service will be held at Calvary Church located at 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road in Charlotte beginning at 1pm on Saturday, March 24, 2018. Graveside service will follow at Forest Lawn West Cemetery located at 4601 Freedom Drive in Charlotte. All services are open to the public. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Youth Fund at Thrift Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC.

Sylvia loved the Lord our God with all her heart, mind, and soul. She followed Jesus’ commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” wholeheartedly by showing love and grace to everyone she met. God’s love shown through all she did, and as a family we will do our best to honor her legacy.