Sylvester Moses

Sylvester Moses, affectionately always known as "Vel", was born January 5, 1962, to Chester Berry and Clara O. Moses in Chicago, Illinois. Clara was a devoted member of Pleasant Ridge MBC and ensured her sons knew the Lord. Vel accepted Christ at an early age. Vel was educated in Chicago public schools starting at William Penn Elementary, where his love for music began under the leadership of the late George Paris. Vel started playing the trumpet in fifth grade and graduated in 1976. He would continue to further his education and love for music at Dunbar Vocational High School, where he was chosen to play in the band under the direction of the late Dr. Willie A. Naylor. At this time, he skillfully learned to play the French horn and was chosen to play in a city-wide traveling band. During his last two years of high school, he majored in tailoring. Upon graduating in 1980, he was offered a musical scholarship to Grambling State University. Choosing a different career path, Vel received his associate's degree in accounting. Once he retired from his career in accounting, Vel began a second career working as a home health aide. This allowed him the opportunity to help people that he loved, while giving him the freedom to pursue all his hobbies and passions he enjoyed, being the renaissance man he was. Those who knew Vel the best can attest that he was the type of person who strove for excellence in everything that he did. Vel's love for music continued over the years by collecting CDs and downloads of his favorite various artists, including his two most favorite artists, Morris Day & the Time and Sade, along with his favorite band, Earth, Wind and Fire. Vel was a very sharp dresser, Pro-Black, ladies’ man, big brother, club go-er, and party ender. As we all know, Vel made sure everyone knew when his birthday was coming every year. Suddenly on January 19, 2025, Vel became ill beyond recovery from a short but critical bout with pneumonia and influenza. With his last conscious attempts with himself breathing he promised to fight. Vel departed this earthly life on January 27, 2025, at 10:20 p.m. He was greeted by his dad, Chester, hugged by his mother, Clara, and brothers, Edward, Dennis, and Anthony. He leaves to cherish his memory and worldly possessions: one brother/ son, Marcus Allen; one aunt, Clynell Moses; one sister-in-law, Kimberly Turner-Moses; four nephews, Ubong Akpan, Anthony Moses, Jr., Trevonne Moses, and Jaiden Allen; two nieces, Kamika Hawthorn (Antwione) and Cermar Allen; special cousins, Kaye Miller-Davis (Anthony), Len Moses (Tyechia), and Ernest Banks (Ayida); special friends, Aretus Smith, June Warfield, the West brothers, and Andre Hampton; as well a host of cousins, other family, and friends who will continue to miss him and cherish his memory.

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