Sylvia Arnett Passes Away

We were so saddened to learn that our friend and LSP family member Ms. Sylvia Arnette passed away Saturday night. She was 85 years old and was surrounded by her family, whom she loved so dearly.

Sylvia was many things to many people: owner of the famed Syl’s Lounge on Broadway, lifelong thoroughbred racing fanatic, music lover, Cardinal fan extraordinaire, South Louisville girl who loved the West End, wife, mother, aunt, sister, grandmother, and friend to so many.

We were so fortunate to have known her and to have been entrusted with part of her story. Sylvia’s contribution to “Better Lucky Than Good” was an incalculably important testament to the rich community where she grew up in the six square block African American neighborhood known as The Hill.

We spent many happy hours with Sylvia, marveling at the particularity of her recollections and the richness of her life. Sylvia had a tremendous and infectious laugh that really just shimmered with life. She was so generous in her storytelling, a glad contributor and collaborator with a vivid and colorful history to share. Mostly, we felt blessed to be in her company and to know that she counted us as friends. That’s an honor that we’ll treasure forever.

Thank you, Sylvia. We love you and will miss you very much.