It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, and matriarch, Cynthia Johnson, on October 28, 2024.
Born in Harlem, NY, in 1947 to Anna Reeves and Jerome Johnson, she was raised in New York City but also spent considerable time at her family's ancestral home in Milledgeville, Georgia.
Cynthia received her B.A. from City College, New York in 1974 and worked as a commercial real estate appraiser until her retirement.
A lifelong learner, she moved to Dover, Delaware in 1992 where she continued her education by auditing courses at the local colleges well into her 70s.
Accomplished and caring, insightful, and eccentric, Cynthia enjoyed second-hand stores, first-rate meals, lively debates, researching a broad range of topics, and spending time with family and friends. She inspired those who knew her to work hard and judiciously, while also caring for others.
Cynthia was very fond of road trips and was always happy to drive near and far, either with companions or by herself. She would spend hours meandering through the villages and farmlands surrounding her home in Delaware and made multiple solo journeys around the country to visit family in Georgia, Michigan, New York, Maine, and California. She also drove to Florida for several years to enjoy warmer weather in winter.
A convert to the Quaker faith, she was drawn to the Quaker beliefs in the direct experience of God, equality of all people, embrace of pacifism, and history of key roles in the Abolitionist and women's rights movements. Cynthia nurtured deep friendships within the congregation and served as the Treasurer of her local Quaker meeting in Camden, Delaware.
Cynthia leaves to mourn her a beloved daughter, Elaine Johnson Farrally-Plourde, a son-in-law, Yana Farrally-Plourde, two loving grandchildren, Shepard and Maya, and heartbroken friends, colleagues, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She was reliably upbeat even in times of trouble and a steady sounding board for those in need. Cynthia was one of a kind and will be missed beyond measure.
A memorial service will be held in the Spring at the Camden Quaker Friends Meeting House.
Donations may be made in Cynthia's name to:
Camden Friends Meeting
122 East Camden-Wyoming Avenue
Camden, Delaware 19934