Lionel Jay Silverfield

Lionel Jay Silverfield passed away September 26, 2011 in Dallas, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. The son of Morris and Edith Silverfield, Lionel was born July 6, 1932 in Memphis, Tennessee. He grew up in Osceola, Arkansas, and graduated from Osceola High School. After graduation, he attended the University of Alabama from 1950-1954. A true fan, Lionel rarely missed a televised game of his beloved Crimson Tide. While attending Alabama, Lionel was secretary of the Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity, president of the Hillel Foundation, member of the Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, circulation manager of the Crimson White University of Alabama newspaper, and member of the University of Alabama Press Club and Cotillion Club. Lionel returned to Osceola when his father grew ill and took over the family business, Silverfield's Department Store which was a downtown fixture for 79 years. An active member of the Osceola community, Lionel was dedicated to his hometown. The city recognized that dedication by proclaiming March 16, 1995 as "Lionel Silverfield Day" and presenting him with a key to the city. Lionel was an original member of the Osceola City Planning Commission, serving for 41 years with 29 years as Secretary. He was one of the founding directors of the Riverlawn Country Club and past president of the Osceola Retail Merchant's Association. A long time member of the Osceola South Mississippi County Chamber of Commerce, Lionel served on the Board of Directors for over 40 years and served twice as Vice President. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club with 47 years of perfect attendance. He received the Kiwanis Legion of Honor and the George Hixson Award for Outstanding Service to Kiwanis. As a past member of the American Red Cross Board and American Cancer Society, he worked to help people affected by adverse events. On the occasion of his 70th birthday, Lionel was honored with a proclamation on the House Floor by Congressman Marion Berry. Lionel took great pride in serving in the United States Army. He was a 1st Lieutenant and Detachment Commander for the 54th Field Hospital Battalion at Ft. Leonard, Missouri. A lifelong member of Temple Israel in Blytheville, Arkansas, Lionel served as Vice President and Secretary as well as a member of Binai-Brith. Lionel's pride and joy was definitely his family. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Lenora Pevsner Silverfield of the home; his son Martin Bernard Silverfield of Little Rock; daughter Debra Elaine Scheinberg and her husband Sid of Dallas; and daughter Elise Silverfield May of Dallas. One of Lionel's greatest joys was his grandchildren Matthew Jayson May and Diane Elisabeth Scheinberg. Lionel also leaves his beloved sister, Jackie Silverfield Bernatsky of Memphis and nieces, Susan Bernatsky Greenberg and husband Bart of Memphis and Michelle Bernatsky Heiss and husband Mark of Chicago. Memorials honoring Lionel can be made to the University of Alabama Hillel House at 380 9th Street, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401 or the charity of your choice. Graveside service will be held 2:30 p.m., Friday, September 30, 2011 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas.