Sylvester Preston Jr. was born on February 23, 1951 in Gulfport, Mississippi. He was the second son born to proud parents Bertha and Sylvester Preston Sr. both of whom have preceded him in death. Sylvester lived in Gulfport with his parents and older brother Louis until his parents moved the family to Chicago in the early 1950's.

During his early years Sylvester attended the Chicago Public Schools and graduated from Chicago Vocational High School. Shortly afterward he began working many jobs including Jewel, Marvin Keystone Company, the Chicago Postal Service and Maremont Muffler just to name a few. During this time he wed Rhonda Eddy and to this union two children were born, a daughter, Katrina, and a son, Sylvester III, who has preceded him in death.

All who knew Sylvester would know that his greatest claim to employment was as a mechanic. He began working on cars at a young age and later became self employed as the neighborhood auto mechanic. Not only did Sylvester posses an uncanny talent for repairing cars, he was a natural at repairing just about anything. Never having to read instructions to assemble and operate objects, he was a one of a kind handyman.

As time passed on, Sylvester continued to work as an auto mechanic and odd jobs. He later met and spent the rest of his life with Patricia Smith, who loved and cared for him during his years of declining health.

On Thursday, May 24, 2012, Sylvester was called home to eternal rest. He leaves to cherish his memory: loving daughter - Katrina; a loving and devoted domestic partner - Patricia; two brothers - Larry (Becky) and Louis III of Houston, Texas; four grandchildren - Marvez, Marshaun, Vess and India; four nieces - Staci, Sandi, Tajuana and Latanya; two nephews - Larry Jr. and Louis Iv,: five great nieces, eight great nephews, one great great niece, two great - great nephews and three daughters -like friends - Valerie, Dorrell and Meech and a host of loving cousins and other relatives and dear friends.