Papa was born in 1910 in the village of Akum in the North West  Province of Cameroon, Africa. In 1922 when he was 12, his family emigrated with the late Chief Boma I to Santa, a few miles away from his home village where they settled until his passing.

Papa was a professional Tailor. He made/designed clothing items. Even though this was his primary source of income, Papa would spend lots of hours making clothing completely free of charge for people who could not afford to pay for his sewing . During the Christmas season which is a 'new - clothes' high season  for most Cameroonians, Papa would be seen tolling late into the night, making clothes for hundreds at no cost to them.

Papa Sylvester had no formal education. He taught himself how to read and write. With this new skill he became the an acclaimed Village Record Keeper. Papa took pride in recording birth dates of all babies born in his time. He recorded important events and happenings and was the 'human database' villagers will go to for information for the government issued birth certificates and other related needs.

Papa was a devout Catholic. Back in the day, Cameroon had very few Catholic Priests. They were located in the far end of the North Western Province, in the Bui Division. Without vehicles, journeying to Banso (Bui Division) was a tedious, dangerous journey of many days on foot. Papa made that journey on foot, carrying the then Reverend Father's (Priest) luggage on his head so he go get baptized in Banso! He was a very powerful, yet soft-spoken gentleman. He made many long trips to Nkongsamba and other parts of Cameroon on foot, bringing back goods and merchandise.

Before his passing, Papa had a total of twenty two children grand children and six great grand children. Papa was married to the same woman for sixty five years! He leaves behind his wife, our mother to mourn him. They had ten children. Papa has gone to meet one of them who is resting in the Lord. Nine children are settled all over the globe.

Papa passed at about 101 years. He has never smoked, drank sparingly. He love palm wine which his palms produced and he tapped himself. 

He was a peace-loving man. He lived an exemplary life. He forgave a village elder who murdered his brother in his prime. He always told his children: "Don't hate anyone. Leave everything to God". 

Papa will be missed by the whole Santa community, his wife, his children, his grannies, his whole family. He was a God-fearing gentleman of the first class.