Alma Yvonne Sydnor

Alma Yvonne “Cookie” Sydnor, a native Washingtonian, the first child of the late Boyd C. Barnett, Sr. and Vernon Barnett quietly and peacefully slipped away to be with the Lord on Friday, May 14, 2021. She transitioned to eternity at Howard University Hospital with her family by her side. She was preceded in death by her father Boyd C. Barnett, Sr., her brother Boyd C. Barnett, Jr, and sister Mabel T. Chaplin.

Cookie as she was called by almost all that knew her, was born on November 27th 1956, in Washington, DC. and educated in DC Public Schools.

Because she had a special love for her five younger siblings, they looked to her for guidance and advice as a mother figure.  That love was still there, even into adulthood.  As the oldest in the group, she was hands down the mother.  She loved them and they loved her.  Her gift was her listening ear with no judgement. Many of her younger cousins also heeded to her advice on many issues.  She had a remarkable way of teaching and explaining situations to the most stubborn people. 

Cookie had a strong love for helping others and was drawn to the healthcare field at an early age.  She worked at several health care facilities in the DMV area that specialized in caring for the elderly and sick.  Her career in health care began in 1981.  She worked tirelessly in her field until retirement in the fall of 2010.

At a young age Cookie received her first spiritual guidance at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, under the leadership of    the late Rev. David Durham.  As a young adult, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and joined the Pleasant Lane Baptist Church, which later became Progress For Christ Baptist Church, under the leadership of    Rev. Dr. John D. Chaplin.  She rededicated her life to Christ and joined the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Terry D. Streeter, where she was a faithful member until she gained her heavenly wings on May 14, 2021. 

Cookie enjoyed life to the fullest and had friendly conversations with all she met.  She loved music and dancing; always the life of the party.  Any music by Yolanda Adams was her favorite.  She cherished her kids and was most proud of her grandkids. She loved to spend time hanging out, shopping, crafting and traveling with her sister   Candi. Known as the “official” family historian, she kept accurate records of family history and did not mind sharing with others. 

Alma leaves to cherish memories, her devoted husband, George Sr.; four sons, Michael (Karen), George, Jr, Vernon, and  Brian Sr (Jasmine); her mother, Vernon Fitzgerald; mother in law, Dot Sydnor; sister, Lornethia (Candi) Rich (Gerald, Sr) of DC; three brothers, Lloyd Barnett, Sr (Patricia) of KY, Randolph Barnett (Taquita), and Richard Barnett (Patricia) of MD. and sister Shirley of MD; brother in law, Alonzo Sydnor; sister in law, Nellie Sydnor.  One aunt Alma Miller of Farmville, VA and one uncle Ronald Miser of Oklahoma.  Fourteen grandchildren; Christopher Dorsey, Michael Barnett Jr, Marquise Barnett, Layla Barnett, George Sydnor III, Gerniah Sydnor, Heaven, Brion, Jream, Xavion, Dynasty, Jaceyon, Tayion and Brian Sydnor Jr.  A host of other nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and a plethora of adopted family member and friends.

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