Obituary for Sylvester Buster Eason
Sylvester Buster Eason entered into the earthly realm on February 4, 1941 in Screven, Georgia.
He was the fourth child of his beloved parents, Joel Eason, Sr. and Beatrice Joyner Eason who preceded
him in death.
Sylvester attended local schools in Screven, as a child he learned the value of hard work by working on his family’s farm and working along-side his four siblings; Helen, Liz, Junior and Rebecca in the tobacco and cotton fields of Georgia.
When they weren’t working he and his older brother Junior would saddle up and ride horses. Family members who live in Georgia, fondly recall how the duo would ride horses into the center of town with excited children, trailing behind because, they had never seen Black “cowboys” before!
In search of a better life, Sylvester relocated to Pittsfield, Massachusetts where he fell in love with and married Norma Jean (Johnson) Eason on January 8, 1966. Their loving union produced 5 children: Sandra, Norman, James, Calvin and Mehujael “aka” Dale.
Their union lasted until her death October 26, 2008. Sylvester was preceded in death by his children Norman, Sandra (Eason) Yankey and siblings Helen Ford, Joel “Junior” Eason, Jr and Corrine Bird.
Sylvester was employed by Crane and Company until his retirement in the early 2000’s. Sylvester along with his older brother Junior operated J & J Trucking for several years
He said his love for Jesus Christ compelled him to be his “brother’s keeper.” His generosity was reflected in his sharing his home with strangers, mentoring young boys and men who came from fatherless homes, and serving as a long-time sponsor for Alcoholics Anonymous.
Sylvester freely confessed his love for the Lord. His spiritual journey lead him to Price Memorial AME Zion Church where he was a loyal member for over forty years. He served on the Board of Trustees and was the President of the Usher Board.
He was a Past Master of St. John Lodge Number 10, an avid fisherman, self-trained blues musician.
He could be heard playing his drums or bass guitar in the early hours of the morning.
His love for traveling inspired him to buy a Harley Davidson. He and his wife Jean enjoyed riding his bike to Lake George and throughout Connecticut. He loved travelling the open road with the wind at his back. He felt free. Now he truly is.
Sylvester leaves his memories in the hearts of his loving family: Sons: James, Calvin and Mehujael “Dale” Eason and daughter Alexandra Eason. Grandchildren: Desiree Eason, Jshe Ron Eveland, Brandon Eason, Genevieve and Gianna Eason. Sisters: Elizabeth Wright and Rebecca Vail. Several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Sylvester Eason will truly be missed by all and will always be loved.
FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours will be held MONDAY, February 12, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Price Memorial AME Zion Church, 27 EAST ST., in Pittsfield. A funeral service will follow at 12 p.m. Burial will be held in Pittsfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield, MA, to help the family defray costs.
He was the fourth child of his beloved parents, Joel Eason, Sr. and Beatrice Joyner Eason who preceded
him in death.
Sylvester attended local schools in Screven, as a child he learned the value of hard work by working on his family’s farm and working along-side his four siblings; Helen, Liz, Junior and Rebecca in the tobacco and cotton fields of Georgia.
When they weren’t working he and his older brother Junior would saddle up and ride horses. Family members who live in Georgia, fondly recall how the duo would ride horses into the center of town with excited children, trailing behind because, they had never seen Black “cowboys” before!
In search of a better life, Sylvester relocated to Pittsfield, Massachusetts where he fell in love with and married Norma Jean (Johnson) Eason on January 8, 1966. Their loving union produced 5 children: Sandra, Norman, James, Calvin and Mehujael “aka” Dale.
Their union lasted until her death October 26, 2008. Sylvester was preceded in death by his children Norman, Sandra (Eason) Yankey and siblings Helen Ford, Joel “Junior” Eason, Jr and Corrine Bird.
Sylvester was employed by Crane and Company until his retirement in the early 2000’s. Sylvester along with his older brother Junior operated J & J Trucking for several years
He said his love for Jesus Christ compelled him to be his “brother’s keeper.” His generosity was reflected in his sharing his home with strangers, mentoring young boys and men who came from fatherless homes, and serving as a long-time sponsor for Alcoholics Anonymous.
Sylvester freely confessed his love for the Lord. His spiritual journey lead him to Price Memorial AME Zion Church where he was a loyal member for over forty years. He served on the Board of Trustees and was the President of the Usher Board.
He was a Past Master of St. John Lodge Number 10, an avid fisherman, self-trained blues musician.
He could be heard playing his drums or bass guitar in the early hours of the morning.
His love for traveling inspired him to buy a Harley Davidson. He and his wife Jean enjoyed riding his bike to Lake George and throughout Connecticut. He loved travelling the open road with the wind at his back. He felt free. Now he truly is.
Sylvester leaves his memories in the hearts of his loving family: Sons: James, Calvin and Mehujael “Dale” Eason and daughter Alexandra Eason. Grandchildren: Desiree Eason, Jshe Ron Eveland, Brandon Eason, Genevieve and Gianna Eason. Sisters: Elizabeth Wright and Rebecca Vail. Several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Sylvester Eason will truly be missed by all and will always be loved.
FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours will be held MONDAY, February 12, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Price Memorial AME Zion Church, 27 EAST ST., in Pittsfield. A funeral service will follow at 12 p.m. Burial will be held in Pittsfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield, MA, to help the family defray costs.