Skip to content

Biography · Biography & Culture

Sylvia Mathis

1949–1983

United States

Source image for Sylvia MathisLoading image…
Visit the source record ↗

Biography

Sylvia Elizabeth Mathis (July 7, 1949 – October 22, 1983) was the first African-American woman to become a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. After serving for three years, Mathis left the agency, later dying in a car accident.

Sources & collection details

Wikipedia contributors — original record ↗

Black heritage reference ↗

Biography text · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

Continue exploring Series 1

Explore all Series 1 cards →