On November 13th, 2020, a mother, a sister, a family member, and a great friend, supporter, counselor, and minister of the Christian faith left this life peacefully. She is no longer struggling with any earthly pain, discomfort, or disappointment; she is now lighting the way home for all of us who remain. Her race is complete; she has crossed the finish line, a champion in every sense of the word.

Cynthia’s presence will be missed by many for having left us too soon. That is how it feels when someone we love and cherish leaves us never to return. But though she will not return to us, we will nevertheless see her again.

Cynthia was the middle child and only daughter of Moses Jr. and Ida T. Gayles, born in Richmond, Virginia, on May 14, 1960. Cynthia was preceded in death by both her parents;  and younger brother Robert D. Gayles, affectionately known as “Robbie.” She is survived by her brother Moses III and sister-in-law Erica (Brown) Gayles; In-laws John Shavuo and Beatrice Franklin; nephew Evan Brown and her loving Daughter Captain G’Nelle K. Franklin of the U.S. Army.

“Reverend Franklin” received her elementary and secondary education in the Richmond Public School system; a 1978 honors graduate of The Open High School, she continued her education at Tennessee State University in Nashville. Cynthia was accepted into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (Alpha Psi Chapter) and remained a loyal member throughout her life.

Cynthia accepted Christ early in life and was a longtime member of the Fifth Street Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, later becoming a founding member of the Metropolitan African American Baptist Church (MAABC) also in Richmond. It was also at MAABC where Cynthia first received the calling to preach the gospel, being both licensed and ordained there.

Upon her arrival to Houston, Texas, Cynthia continued her Christian Fellowship with Joy Baptist Tabernacle, Genesis Church, Grace Church, and Word of Restoration. Ever the faithful servant, she served each fellowship with a steadfast commitment to excellence in Christian education and community service.

Upon completing her undergraduate education, Cynthia returned to Richmond to start her professional career with the Phillip Morris Company, where she established numerous lifelong friendships. After completing her graduate education, Cynthia pursued educational and guidance opportunities at Texas Southern University, Joy Baptist Tabernacle, and Houston Community College’s Upward Bound Program. Additionally, she addressed her calling by serving the Houston community in various Chaplaincy positions offering support to grieving families.

In her later years, Cynthia answered a family call and returned to Richmond to supervise and lead her father’s care during the waning months of his life. During this period, she re-established family connections and worked briefly in the Richmond Public School System and as a Chaplain for pastoral care at Chippenham Hospital.

Cynthia again returned to Texas and continued her commitment to education by serving as a substitute instructor in the Houston Independent School District, where she served faithfully until her death. Having touched the lives of many people, adults and children alike, Cynthia freely shared her faith, encouragement, and love with all she met.