Cynthia Renee Merriweather

“Remembering a Strong and Warm Soul”

Cynthia Renee Merriweather Born Into Life

November 25, 1961 Born Into Eternity

February 10, 2021

Saturday, February 27, 2021 12:00 Noon

Messiah Missionary Baptist Church 2390 Chelsea Avenue | Memphis, Tennessee 38108 Rev. Jeffrey L. Harden - Officiating

Reflection of Life Cynthia Renee Merriweather was born November 25, 1961 in Memphis, Tennessee.

She was the daughter of the late Louise “Madea” Merriweather. One story can neither define nor describe Cynthia. She was bold and beautiful with a personality that was fearless, funny, outspoken, and direct. With a smile brighter than the sun, she also had a heart warmer than a summer day in May, and loving ways that made each of us love her more than life itself. She was a lady who wore many hats from sunrise to sunset: a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She was never a stranger to anyone and sprinkled love to everyone.

Cynthia accepted Jesus Christ at an early age under the leadership of the late Rev. Lee A. Mullen at Early Grove Missionary Baptist Church. She served on the Usher Board Ministry. Once the church branched off, she then joined Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, continuing under the leadership of Rev. Mullen. She continued serving under the late Rev. Jerry J. Randolph, and then under current pastor, Rev. Jeffrey L Harden. .

Cynthia was a willing servant at Messiah M.B.C. for over 40 years. She faithfully served on the following ministries: President of the Usher Board Ministry, Chairman of the Youth Council, Willing Workers, Junior Sunday School Teacher, Pastor Aid Ministry and Kitchen Ministry. She was awarded Messiah MBC’s “Mother of the Year Award” in 2009. Cynthia was educated in Memphis City School System at Lester and Richland Elementary School, Lester Middle School and was a graduate of East High School Class of 1980. She played for the East High School Lady Mustang’s basketball and track teams and was a member of E-Club. After graduation, Cynthia worked various jobs, and took classes at Trezevant VoTech, which contributed to her 22 years of employment with Shelby County Clerk Office.

Cynthia had many joys, but none could compare to being the mother of her son, Centrell Hicks and grandmother to Nori Hicks.

Cynthia loved her family and most of all family gatherings with everyone under one roof, celebrating, laughing, and enjoying life. She loved spreading the word of God even if it was only through a special bookmark reminding you to go on and trust that GOD is with you every step of the way.

On February 10, 2021 approximately at 2:18 p.m. at Baptist East Hospital, God called our Angel home. Cynthia was preceded in death by her devoted mother, Louise Merriweather; sister, Barbara J. Rawling brothers; Anthony and Robert E. Merriweather, and nephew Darion Merriweather.

Cynthia leaves to mourn in her passing, her only son Centrell Hicks (Johnice), granddaughter, Nori Hicks, brothers, Darryl Merriweather (Christine) and Carl Merriweather (Belinda): aunt, Mary Garner, goddaughter Savina Johnson and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who will miss her dearly. Cynthia had a special relationship with her nieces and nephews that she raised; Tajuana, Teidre, Tamara, Deundra, Tondreon, Taurus, Jeremy, JeTerria, Teyah, and Tarrik. She leaves her very special cousins; Danita, Sally, Rosiland and Deloise; her special close friends, Cathy Sanders, Earline Watson, Danita Hayes, Doris Smith, Tersa Jones, and very special close friend, Antonio Johnson.

I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day— and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4: 7-8 NIV

Celebration Service Prelude ………………………………………………..….. Musicians and Messiah MBC Choir & Friends Processional …..…………………………………………….…………………………… Clergy and Family Selection …………………………………….…………………………..… Messiah MBC Choir & Friends Scripture ………………………………………………………………………..……… Deacon Carl Echols Prayer ……………….……………………….………………………….......……. Deacon Michael Flippin Solo …………………………………………………………………………….……..….. Sis. Sandra Mabon Words of Comfort …………………………………….………………….……. Rev. James Morgan, Pastor New Mt. Zion Baptist Church – West Memphis

Expressions and Reflections (3 Minutes Please) Co-Worker (Shelby County Clerk) …………. Danita Haynes Friends………………..…..….Tersa Jones and Cathy Sanders Usher Board Ministry ………….................…...… Shelia Kyle Family …………..….... Nadolyn “Sally” Merriweather Smith Son ……………………………………...…….. Centrell Hicks Solo …………………………………………………………………………..…………… Rev. Stacey Foster Acknowledgements/Resolution …………….…………………………...…….….…… Sis. Barbara Taylor Solo …………………………………………………………………………….….…….…... Sis. Lise Parker Eulogy ………………………………………….…….……………………..……..... Rev. Jeffrey L. Harden Recessional ……………………………………………………….…......... Messiah MBC Choir & Friends No Viewing After Eulogy

Psalm 23rd (KJV) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Mama, The first thing I want to say to you is THANK YOU. What you’ve instilled in me is priceless and it’s no way that I can pay you back. Not only were you my mother but you were my best friend. I have enjoyed every moment of being your son. You’ve taught and prepared me for every aspect of life. My mindset, fearlessness, sense of humor, and positive energy is all because of your teachings. The way you love Nori and my family is beyond measure. Every morning she kisses your picture and says, “I love and miss you Nana!” I can’t even explain how that makes me feel. You’ve kept me close since birth. I never doubted your love and that means the world to me. People always tell me how proud you were of the man I’ve become. You’re the reason I am who I am. You should also know that I’m prouder that you’re my mom. Two things I know for sure: You did the Lords work on Earth and you lived your life without regrets. That’s not easy to pull off. Just know you did it with style and grace. That keeps my mind and heart at ease. I love you mama. You were a real angel on earth. I just keep telling myself that you still have the same job, you just relocated to Heaven.

Love, your Son Centrell

Proverbs 31:10 (KJV) Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

Her Grandchild

“Her Legacy”

Special Tributes Thank You Cynthia Thank you for always being there for us.

You prayed for us, always had faith in us.

The love you showed us was always a blessing to us.

We know now that you are up in heaven and continually watching over us.

You are forever in our hearts.

We love you Cynthia

Love, Carl and Cathy

Our Chain Is Broken Where do we go from here, You were our heart, our strength, The chain link that held us together You prayed for us, fussed at us, Took care of us and loved us unconditionally.

You are in heaven now.

We must lean and depend on God. You are forever in our heart sister.

We miss you and love you forever.

Love, Darryl and Carl

To My Sister-In-Law If I hadn’t had you for a Sister-In-Law, I might never have known What a real friend was, a best friend of my very own.

So, no matter what other friends I might have along the way, I always know that in my heart no one could ever take your place.

Love, Chris

The Angel In Purple/ An Angel In Disguise You never said you were leaving, never said goodbye.

If love alone could have saved you, you would have never died.

Your love, so precious, so joyful and true!

How do you expect us to now know the way through?

When you took great care of us, with much pride and gratitude!

We can’t even pay you back, when that’s all we wanted to do.

Our aunt was a wonderful woman who had smiles to brighten your days, who always made you feel good with her warm words of praise!

The fact that you’re no longer here, will always cause us pain.

But you’re forever in our hearts, until we meet again.

Love, Your Great

Nieces &Nephews “For all of us you gave your best.

Now the time has come for you to rest.

So, go in peace, You’ve earned your sleep.”

It’s not where you go in Life It’s who you have beside you that matters

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me When tomorrow starts without me And I’m not here to see If the sun should rise and find your eyes All filled with tears for me I wish you wouldn’t cry The way you did today While thinking of the many things We did not get to say I know how much you love me As much as I love you Each time that you think of me I know you will miss me too When tomorrow starts without me Please try to understand That an angel came and called my name And took me by the hand The angel said my place was ready In heaven far above And that I would have to leave behind All those I dearly love But when I walked through Heaven’s Gates I felt so much at home When GOD looked down and smiled at me From his golden throne He said, “This Is Eternity And all I promised you Today for life on earth is done But here it starts a new”

I promise no tomorrow For today will always last And since each day’s the exact same way There is no longing for the past So, When tomorrow starts without me Do not think we’re apart For every time you think of me Remember I’m right here in your heart

I’ M F R E E

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, to play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the end of the day.

If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, yes, these things too I will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I savoured much, Good friends, good times, a loved ones’ touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.

Acknowledgements

The family of Cynthia Renee Merriweather sincerely expresses their love and appreciation for your thoughts, prayers, flowers, and acts of kindness during this time of sorrow. All visits, phone calls, messages, and your presence on today are greatly received. Special thanks to Rev. Jeffrey L. Harden and The Messiah Baptist Church Family, Rev. James Morgan and New Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Shelby County Clerk Office, and the staff at Baptist Memorial East for your support.

Active Pallbearers Torrance Bryant Carlos Merriweather DeAndre Merriweather DeAngelo Merriweather Jeremy Merriweather Tyler Nichols Nicklaus Pratcher Stefan Spencer

Honorary Pallbearers Michael Garner Marty Merriweather Richard Merriweather Tarrik Moore Kendell Thomas Gerald Winston Reginald Winston Messiah M.B.C. Usher Ministry

Interment Memphis Memory Gardens 6444 Raleigh-LaGrange Road Memphis, Tennessee 38134

Arrangements Entrusted to 3320 Millbranch Road Memphis, Tennessee 38116 901-452-7331 Programs Created By

T R Fineline Printing 901.503.0346