Sylvie, Numa (Age 89) of Mason Springs, Maryland.

On September 25, 1923 in the Natchiotoches Parish of Louisiana, the late Doretta and the late James Sylvie welcomed another child to their family. His name was Numa Sylvie. On October 5, 2012, surrounded by a loving family, heaven welcomed Numa home.

Numa was educated in the public schools of Louisiana and after graduating from high school, he was inducted into the U.S. Army and served his country faithfully during World War II from 1942 until 1946. He was awarded decorations and citations.

After his honorable discharge from the military, Numa made his way to Washington, D.C. looking for employment as a cook. He found it at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, ultimately retiring as a Chief Cook, after thirty-eight years of dedicated service. While employed at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, he was well respected and made many friends. As a result of his friendship with Waverly Henton and Vincent Jameson, Sr., a successful business venture developed. They were all cooks and partnered in the establishment of a bar-b-que pit, known as Murphy's, since it was behind Murphy's store in Port Tobacco, MD.

Unfortunately, Henton had to bow out for health reasons but Sylvie and Jameson worked together many years creating a reputation for themselves as having the best ribs "around." Numa was known to his many customers as "the Indian Man." After working at Murphy's, they moved to what was known as T&J Bar-b-que Pit. Their customers moved with them and business grew and grew. It was at the new location, better known to family and friends as the "Pit," that a friendship between Numa and Madeline "Tat" grew into a relationship. On June 11, 1996, they were united in matrimony. Numa, wanting to enjoy life with a new bride, retired once again, this time from the "Pit" where he was never forgotten and always loved.

In addition to "Indian Man," Numa was affectionately known to many as "Sylvie," "Syv," "Uncle Sylvie" and lovingly as "Mr. Sylvie."

Not only did Sylvie love to cook, he also enjoyed fishing, bingo, trips to Atlantic City and Dover, dancing and visits with his brothers and sisters in other states. He was a family man and always enjoyed the company of his family and friends. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Pomfret, Maryland where he was an Usher. He took his calling very seriously as he was an usher at every church he was ever a member (sometimes he was asked to usher even before he joined the church). He was also a member of the St. Joseph's McDonald Knights of Columbus.

In addition to his parents, Numa was preceded in death by his brothers, Benjamin "Ben," Jesse "Tiny," and Edward, sister, Aleta Sylvie Moran, and first wife, Lula.

Left to mourn his passing but also cherish many memories is his wife, Madeline "Tat;" children, Antoinetta (Lynwood) Proctor, Daphne (James) Carter, Deborah (Paul) Smith, Denise Hargrove, Eugene (Lisa) Chappelle, Paul Chappelle, Dwaine (Lorraine) Marbury and Dwight Marbury; 17 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren; sisters, Isabel (Anthony) Arcneneaux, Julia Sylvie Brossett and Rosa (Phillip)Sarpy; brothers, Roy (Delores) Sylvie, Arma (Judy) Sylvie and Lynell "Doc" (Patricia) Couty, aunt and uncle, Willie Mae and James LaCoor, sister-in-law, Barbara Jameson, brother-in-law and close friend, Vincent Jameson, also surviving are a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, many other relatives and friends.

Viewing, 9am until 10am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland.

Mass of Christian Burial, 11am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 4590 St. Joseph's Way, Pomfret, Maryland.

Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton, Maryland.