Sydney Elizabeth Wilson

Sydney Elizabeth Wilson passed from this earthly realm on September 16, 2024, at her home in Reston, VA. The only child of Lori A. Myers (Wilson) and Jerome Wilson, Jr., she was born in Harrisburg Hospital, Harrisburg, PA, on October 7, 1990. Sydney was a 2009 graduate of St. John’s College High School and a 2013 graduate of Georgetown University in Washington D.C., earning a B.A. in Government with a minor in Theology. Starting her distinguished basketball career with the Pine Richland H.S. Rams (Gibsonia, PA), the PA Hoop Stars AAU team (Pittsburgh, PA), the Fairfax Stars Nike Elite teams (D.C. Metro Area), and the SJC Cadets of the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC), Sydney was recruited by the most notable Division I universities across the country starting at the age of 13. In 2009, she thoughtfully accepted a full scholarship to Georgetown University, where she was a 4-year letter earner, a 2-year starter, a member of the 2012 NCAA Sweet 16 appearance team, and a co-captain in her senior season with the Hoyas of the Big East Conference. Sydney was a fierce competitor even though her outward demeanor has been described as “girly” and “fancy,” and she genuinely loved the game of basketball and all her teammates throughout the years, creating lifelong bonds. Sydney was a member of the NAACP Georgetown University Chapter, a special guest speaker for the Hoops to Heels Student Athlete Program at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2015, and a Young Women’s Leadership Panel Speaker for All-City Leadership Secondary School BK in 2018. Following graduation in 2013, Sydney worked briefly for Capital Partners, LLC and Stone Street Capital, LLC before following her childhood dream by moving to New York City in December of 2015 and living in Harlem until October of 2020. Starting as an Advertising Assistant for Resolution Media-Omnicom Media Group, Sydney went on to be an Account Specialist at Microsoft – Bing Ads, a Social Media & Marketing Research Strategist at Bader Media Group, and an Executive & Personal Assistant for Mind Money Media, Inc. while working part time as the studio coordinator for Body By Simone Fitness Studio. After moving back to Maryland, she started at JLL Mid-Atlantic as a temp in 2021, then was hired full time in the Tysons Corner office until being promoted to Markets Operations Manager for JLL Mid-Atlantic in Washington D.C. in 2022. Sydney managed 18-25 coordinators with some in Norfolk and Richmond, and traveled between offices in Tysons Corner, VA, D.C., Bethesda, MD, and Baltimore, MD. She co-managed the JLL summer intern program in 2023 and 2024, as well as represented JLL at several charitable fundraising galas, and participated in on-campus minority recruitment at Howard University. Sydney loved children and was an inspirational speaker to young girls that were coached by her former teammates and aspired to play high school and college basketball. She was an active volunteer in the D.C. schools beginning in high school, and most recently participated as a judge of senior projects at the School Without Walls Senior High School. Sydney’s legacy of friendship, empathy and love will live on in the hearts of everyone who ever met her. In addition to her parents, Sydney is survived by her maternal grandmother, Betty L. Myers of Gettysburg, PA; God Mother and aunt, Yvonne L. Myers (Ron Rosensteel) of Gettysburg, PA; paternal grandparents, Jerome, Sr. and Edith M. Wilson of Harrisburg, PA; stepmother, V. Valdette Wilson of Columbus OH; stepbrothers, Jorie D. Aulston (Jacque) of Vieques, PR, Vincent A. Moore (Crystal) of Harrisburg, PA; aunt, Kisha L. Birden (Eric) of Harrisburg, PA; uncles, Rev. Shawn M. Wilson (Vanessa) of Damascus, MD, Kevin L. Wilson (Cyd) of Charlotte, NC, Bryan K. Wilson (Rezlyn) of Owings Mills, MD; adopted aunt, Melissa C. Battin of Raleigh, NC; and a host of cousins, extended family and countless beloved friends she made on her life’s short journey. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, MEMORIAL DONATIONS IN SYDNEY'S HONOR MAY BE MADE TO THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI) TO SUPPORT THEIR EDUCATION, LEADERSHIP AND ADVOCACY PROGRAMS. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME.

Tributes

Sydney Elizabeth Wilson

October 7, 1990 - September 16, 2024