Sylvia Woods with her Liberty Medal in 2003. (David Rentas / New York Post)
Sylvia Woods, a pioneering entrepreneur whose restaurant became a Harlem institution, and who herself was lovingly known as ‘’the Queen of Soul Food,’’ died today at 86.
Woods, as famed for her celebrity guest list and her kindness to those who needed a helping hand as she was for her smothered chicken, died at her Westchester home.
Woods, who had battled Alzheimer’s for several years, was ‘’surrounded by a host of family and loved ones,’’ her family said in a statement.
The Rev. Al Sharpton said ‘’Sylvia’s has been more than a restaurant, it has been a meeting place for Black America.’’
He said he had dined there ‘’with everyone from President Obama to Caroline Kennedy.’’
Woods became ‘’not just a pillar in the community, but her brand resonated across the world and her business acumen helped put Harlem on the map,’’ Sharpton said in a statement.
Sylvia’s opened 50 years ago after her mother mortgaged her South Carolina farm to give her daughter the $18,000 she needed to start it.
“Sylvia was like my mom, I’ve known her since I was 14 years old,” longtime Harlem resident Jeff Mann, 54, said as he enjoyed a meal at the famed eatery.
“She was like everyone’s mom. She took care of a lot of people,” Mann said.
Another longtime patron said coming to Sylvia’s always made her feel like she was at home.
“I have brought my family here for breakfast lunch and dinner. Sometimes all in one day!” said Jill Ferguson, who has been a regular since the 1970s.
“Sylvia’s is an institution in Harlem. If you ever want some comfort food, you absolutely must come here.”
“Ms. Sylvia created a special place on Lenox and 127th Street,” said Rep. Charlie Rangel, who helped Woods get the business started when he worked as a lawyer and she was his client.
“Sylvia’s may have been famous nationally and internationally, but its soul has always remained in Harlem,” said Rangel.
Mayor Bloomberg said New York, “lost a legend today.”
“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,” Bloomberg said.
In 2003, Woods won a New York Post Liberty Medal for giving back to her community — serving thousands of free meals to charitable groups each year and helping ex-prisoners re-enter society by giving them jobs.