Politicos are mourning the death of Harlem “Queen Of Soulfood” Sylvia Woods today at age 86. As our Helen Kennedy notes in an obituary on our main page, “Woods, an ambitious and charismatic beautician from South Carolina, opened ‘Sylvia’s’ in 1962, buying the 35-seat luncheonette where she worked as a waitress.” In recent years, her family said, Woods had battled Alzheimer’s.
Mayor Bloomberg
: “We lost a legend today. For more than 50 years, New Yorkers have enjoyed Sylvia’s and visitors have flocked to Harlem to get a table. In her words, the food was made with ‘a whole lot of love’ and generations of family and friends have come together at what became a New York institution. Sylvia Woods came to New York City with a dream and her dedication made it a reality. She exemplified the entrepreneurial spirit that is at the heart of our city’s success. Even as her brand became a nationwide success, she never forgot to give back to the community that helped make it all possible, creating the Herbert and Sylvia Woods Scholarship Endowment Fund for Harlem High School seniors. My thoughts are with her family and New York City will never forget the Queen of Soul Food.”
Rep. Charlie Rangel
: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of my dear friend, Ms. Sylvia, the founder of world famous Sylvia’s Restaurant. She was a dynamic, warm and kind woman whom the entire Harlem community will miss. Her family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. As I reflect on Ms. Sylvia’s long life and accomplishments, I recall my many cherished memories with family and friends at her restaurant. Located in the heart of my congressional district, it was a magical place that brought the community together. I recently celebrated my recent primary victory there. Ms. Sylvia created a special place on Lenox and 127th street.
“Sylvia’s may have been famous nationally and internationally, but its soul has always remained in Harlem. Nothing can replace its founder, but her legacy will live on in the memories she helped make.”
Rep. Ed Towns:
“I would like to pay tribute to the life, spirit and legacy of Sylvia Woods who was the embodiment of the entrepreneurial spirit that has made this nation great. She took an idea for a restaurant and turned it into a world-renown eating and meeting place. I was a frequent patron of Sylvia’s and was there just last week. I echo the words of others that Sylvia’s was more than just a restaurant. It was place where you left status at the door. Sylvia’s was a meeting place for the young, the old, struggling workers, members of Congress and U.S. presidents. If you want a great meal and congenial atmosphere—Sylvia’s is the place. She will be missed but her legacy will live on.”
Comptroller John Liu
: “Sylvia Woods will be greatly missed, but her spirit will live on in the countless people whose lives she enriched. No matter where you hailed from, Sylvia’s kindness, generosity, and wonderful food always made going to her restaurant feel like coming home. She was an icon who helped make New York City great, and an ambassador who helped introduce the vibrancy of Harlem to the world. I send my deep condolences to her family and friends, and a heartfelt thanks to Sylvia for having been a part of our lives.”
Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer
: “I am greatly saddened today by the passing of Sylvia Woods, a woman who not only founded an iconic restaurant in Harlem, but became one of its leading citizens and ambassadors to the world. Sylvia’s, her legendary restaurant and gathering spot, was not simply a mecca for world-class cuisine. It was a friendly and inviting place where residents of Harlem, countless other New Yorkers and visitors from around the globe knew they would always find a warm welcome. Sylvia Woods was known as “The Queen of Soul Food,” but in truth she was the Queen of Harlem—a person who exemplified the very best of her vibrant community and a kind, generous woman who will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to her family, her friends and all those who had the good luck to experience her friendship and hospitality first hand.”
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.:
“New York City has lost a legend, as we all mourn the loss of Ms. Sylvia Woods. For more than 50 years, New Yorkers and visitors from around the world—myself included—have flocked to Lenox and 127th Street in Harlem, to enjoy some of the best soul food in the world. Sylvia’s legacy as ‘Harlem’s Queen of Soul Food’ will live on in our memories, and she will always have a special place in our hearts. We will keep Ms. Sylvia and her family in our prayers through this difficult time.”
And here’s the official statement from the Woods family:
“It is with great honor and profound sorrow that The Woods Family announces the passing of their Matriarch, Sylvia Woods, known to the world as the Queen of Soul Food, who died peacefully the age of 86 today at 4:50 p.m. at her Westchester home. Ms. Woods was surrounded by a host of family and loved ones. Sylvia gallantly battled Alzheimer’s for the past several years, but never once lost her loving smile. Sylvia publicly announced at her 80th birthday celebration that she was retiring and passing the torch to her children and grandchildren, who have worked side by side with her and her late husband, Herbert, building a Soul Food empire for the past 50 years.
“The Family is thankful for your prayers. In lieu of flowers, [the] family would appreciate donations made to the Sylvia and Herbert Woods Foundation.”
