Cynthia Carter Harris

Cynthia Carter Harris (Cyndi) of Lynchburg, Virginia transitioned from labor to reward on July 2, 2023 after her second battle with breast cancer. She was surrounded by her children as she went to be with her Lord and Savior.

Cyndi was born on January 26, 1956 to the late Genevieve Christian Carter. At an early age, she accepted Christ as her savior and was a member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Lynchburg for many years. Later she became a member at Family Life Church; and lastly joined Tree of Life Ministries where she served in the Usher and Greeter’s ministry up until her health declined.

Cyndi attended Lynchburg City Schools and was a 1974 graduate of EC Glass High School. She retired from the Central Virginia Training Center after 23 years of service. In 1999, Cyndi won her first battle with breast cancer and remained in remission for almost 20 years.

After retirement, she still had a passion for caring for others. The children of the family will always remember their Aunt Cyndi baking some of their favorite dishes, teaching them about caring for flowers and plants, and just being there with a listening ear. You could catch her enjoying celebrations with her family, even cutting a step when the music felt good to her. Cyndi also had a great love for her loyal lap companion Willie; as well as her pets who passed on before her – Buff and Pepper. Cyndi continued supporting some of the seniors in her community. From helping them with shopping, housekeeping, personal care, or simply spending time with them, she never met a stranger, and everyone was a friend.

In addition to her mother, Cyndi is preceded in death by her birth father, Alonzo S. Johnson, Sr.; paternal sisters: Denise A. Johnson and Rosalyn J. Russell; maternal grandmother, Eunice P. Christian; and paternal grandmother, Louise Johnson.

Left to cherish her memories are her daughters: Lakedra L. Harris and Cierra L. Harris; nieces whom she raised alongside her daughters: Danielle R. McCray and Diane E. McCray-Davis (Jermel); beloved granddaughter, Kyasia I. Harris; bonus son, Timothy “TJ” Dillard Jr.; dad whom raised her, Deacon Ralph E. Carter, Sr.; maternal brothers: Jerry W. Carter Sr. (Carol) and Ralph E. Carter Jr. (Patricia); paternal brothers: Alonzo Johnson Jr., Derek Johnson, and Darryl Johnson; maternal sisters: Sherri C. Fore (Tyrone) and Tamela C. Elliott (Terence); brother in law, John Russell; godson, Mikel Clarke Jr.; uncle whom she supported for over 20 years, Rodney B. Christian; former husband and supportive friend, Linwood L. Harris; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Cyndi’s devoted friends of at least 50 years, Carolyn Carter, Alveta Lovelace, and Henry Lovelace for their unwavering love and support; Dr. Gorsch and the staff of the Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center; and the staff of Centra Hospice for their services.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12pm Friday, July 7, 2023 at Tree of Life Ministries at 2812 Greenview Drive in Lynchburg. Visitation will be at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. at 220 Breezewood Drive on Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 6pm -8pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center. The service will be lived streamed for the ones that cannot attend in person.

Tharp funeral home and Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.