Sylvia Pannell

Sylvia Ann Pannell, 80, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away at Mt. Carmel East Hospital on October 24, 2024, surrounded by her family. Born on September 1, 1944, in Columbus, Ohio, she was the eldest of four children born to Mary J. (descendant of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings) and Clarence W. Smith, Sr. Sylvia began her education at Garfield Elementary School and graduated from East High School (EHS) Class of 1962. While at East and during her formative years, she was a Majorette in the EHS Marching Tiger’s Band, loved roller skating at Rollerland, was a Prima Ballerina at the Gwen Geigy Dance Studio, and was an excellent seamstress, modern dance and being the “Lil Mama” to her two youngest siblings!

A few years after graduating from EHS, she met the love of her life, John B. Pannell, and they were married at St. Dominic Catholic Church on February 6, 1964. Their union lasted 60 years until Johnny’s death on August 21, 2024. She and Johnny raised three sons who filled their home with laughter and joy. Sylvia was a faithful member of St. Dominic Catholic Church, serving with the Altar Rosary Society and, at one time, Treasurer of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary. Sylvia was employed by and retired from the Defense Construction Supply Center (DCSC) for over 25 years, starting as an entry-level employee and retiring as the Chief of Receiving in the Warehouse Division. After retiring from DCSC, she began a second career with the Columbus City Schools, where she retired after more than 10 years of service. She belonged to the following organizations and clubs: The Junior Leaguers, The Taste of Soul, Knights of Pythias & Queen of Sheba. Her pastime hobbies were camping, bowling, fishing, Carnival cruising, visiting casinos from the East Coast to the West Coast, as well as being an excellent cook and baker!!

Sylvia is preceded in death by her husband, John B. Pannell; parents, Mary J. and Clarence W. Smith, Sr.; brothers-in-law, Thomas Pannell and Timothy Pannell.

Sylvia leaves three sons to carry on her legacy: John B. (Marianne) Pannell, II, Darrell A. (Rachel) Pannell, Eric T. (Melissa) Pannell; her grandchildren Tamika, Payton, Nala, Mia, Kendall, Kennedy, and her great-grandchildren Omari, Nasir, and Fredrick Ezra; her sister Anita Diane (Richard) Brown (Atl, Ga); brothers Clarence W. “Porky” Smith, Jr., Steven A. (Anona) Smith (Dallas, Tx); sisters-in-law Bernadine “Bunny” (James) Neal, Octraiya Pannell, and Deborah Pannell and many nieces, nephews, cousins, God children and friends to mourn her death. Sylvia also leaves her “spiritual sisters” Mrs. Sandy Helm and family, Mrs. Carolyn “Bunny” Day and family; Newark, Ohio family; special cousin/sister Jo Ella Alexander and special friends Mrs. Brenda Reeder, Mrs. Freda White, and Mrs. Ann Leonard to continue in her loving kindness.

The Family of Mrs. Sylvia Ann Pannell thanks you for attending her service. Your prayers, visits, calls, flowers, cards, and every act of kindness have comforted, strengthened, and inspired our family.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 6th, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Dominic Catholic 455 N 20th St, Columbus, OH 43203 with a Funeral Service immediately following. Burial will take place on Thursday, November 7th, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Cemetery, Lockbourne, Ohio.

To leave a message of condolence please visit her Tribute Page.