Lee Ethel Silva

Lee Ethel Silva, affectionately known to Nani to family and close friends, was 77 years old. She passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021, and was welcomed by our Lord Jesus Christ into his Kingdom. Nani was surrounded by her immediate family and close friends during the time of her transitioning stage. She was born in Henderson, North Carolina on January 24, 1944 and was saved at an early age with a strong love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whom she loved with all her heart. One of Nani’s favorite Bible verses was Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not, for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee: yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Nani was the daughter of Dolly Coley Williams and Eddie Parks Jeffers.  On January 5, 1975, Lee Ethel was united in holy matrimony and wed to Gerald Silva in Oceanside California. After living there for several years, the family relocated and resided in Waterbury Connecticut, Carver Massachusetts, Plymouth Massachusetts, and finally settling in Jacksonville North Carolina, where they lived for 21 years before relocating to Stafford Virginia on August 19, 2021.

Nani was known for her strong faith and unbounding love for Jesus Christ. She sang in the church choir and taught children’s Sunday school classes. She was always surrounded by kids. She genuinely loved the Lord with all her mind, body, and soul and her radiant countenance brightened the room whenever she entered. Nani often read her Bible daily and searched the scriptures daily with a true zeal and thirst to uncover the truths set forth in God’s Word. A mentor, teacher, and confidant to many, she shared the gospel with those that she encountered during her time and witness on earth. Nani’s love for God was key in her role as a Caregiver for the people and community of Jacksonville, North Carolina. She was a community beacon as well as a compassionate Caregiver who selflessly devoted herself to the caring, nurturing, and mentoring of numerous community members as well as family members. She was a member of the Potter’s House Church in Jacksonville, NC. She watched over and cared for her brother Sterling Williams and Sarah Bates for a period of 13 years. Nani ensured that they were well cared for and attended to all their medical and wellness needs while displaying the unconditional love of God in a true selfless way.

Nannie is survived by her spouse Gerald Silva of Stafford Virginia, her 4 children: Irving Duffy Jr. & Violetta Duffy of Vancouver, Washington, Michael Reno Duffy of Plymouth, Massachusetts, Sarita Michele & Neil A. DeAbreu of Stafford, Virginia, and Kimrasi Maurice Duffy & Keila Cruz of Jacksonville, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her siblings, William Lomax Mattocks (Deceased), Harrison Allen Mattocks (Deceased), George Leander Mattocks, Sr. (Deceased), Edward Earl Mattocks (Deceased), Mamie Mae (Jeffers) Pridgen (Deceased). She is survived by her siblings: Sterling Williams, Ernest Mattocks, Ricky Milton Mattocks, Sarah Bates, and Carolyn Valetha (Jeffers) Whitney. Lee Ethel Silva is survived by her grandchildren: Brandy Lee Green, Neil Frederick DeAbreu, Jeremiah Emmanuel DeAbreu. Leticia Lee Philyaw, Elena Michelle Davis, Irving Duffy III, and their mother (Gilma Duffy). Michael Lee Duffy, Samantha Rosellen Duffy, Jeremy Nicholas Duffy, Matthew Irving Duffy, Cindi Rene Leao, and their mother (Diane Duffy). Colby Lee Duffy, Cameron Gerald Duffy, Conner Charles Duffy, and their mother (Amy Wilson). Nani has 24 great grandchildren.

Private family visitation will be held at 11:30 on Monday, September 27 at Covenant Funeral Service, Stafford. The service will follow at 12:30. Interment will follow at 2 p.m. at Quantico National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please send plants. Condolences may be shared with the family here on the online guestbook or at the Funeral Service on September 27, 2021.