Cynthia Sevilla Bates

Cynthia “Cindy” Sevilla Bates-Heath, 61, passed away peacefully after a brief and unexpected illness, surrounded by loved ones. Born September 28, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois, Cindy spent most of her life in Tampa, Florida, where she built a life rooted in family, connection, and community.

Cindy was a devoted wife to her husband, Tom Heath, and a deeply loving mother to her son, Randall Bates (wife, Karina Lauriano), and her daughters, Colleen Bates (wife, Jaycee Grover) and Mary Bates.

She was a proud and adoring grandmother to Hailey, Casey and Bradley Michael, Kamila Malave, Bentley and Luca Bates, Daxton and Bryson Grover, and Maverick and Tatum Heath. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She found special joy in the time she spent caring for Bentley and Luca, and she was a steady source of encouragement to Kamila, especially in sports and activities.

Cindy is survived by her mother, Rachel Sevilla (née Munoz); her siblings Edward John Sevilla, Diane (husband, Robert) Gore, Peter (wife, Domenica) Sevilla, and Paul (wife, Amanda) Sevilla. As the youngest daughter, Cindy held a special place in her family and remained a positive, loving presence with strong bonds throughout her life. She is also survived by her loving in-laws, cherished nieces and nephews, and devoted stepchildren.

Cindy dedicated much of her life to the beauty and barbering industry, where she built not only a successful career but meaningful, lasting relationships. Known for her talent behind the chair and her ability to truly connect with people, she worked at multiple barbershops throughout the Tampa Bay area before most recently owning and operating Cindy’s Corner Barbershop at Sola Salons on Dale Mabry. She was a barber stylist, beauty industry coach, entrepreneur, author, and life coach who wore many hats with passion and purpose.

Beyond her work in the salon, Cindy was deeply committed to helping others grow. As the Chief Executive Officer of the nonprofit organization ChangeYourOutcome.org, she guided and supported individuals through life’s challenges, offering encouragement, perspective, and hope. She had a gift for making people feel seen, heard, and understood, and her impact reached far beyond her immediate circle.

Outside of her career, Cindy found joy in life’s simple, meaningful moments. She loved watching reality television with her daughter, Mary. She enjoyed thrifting, coffee dates, and spending quality time with those she loved. She and her husband Tom shared a love for riding bicycles and traveling whenever they could, and she also enjoyed time at the beach, listening to eighties music, and staying active.

More than anything, Cindy loved being with her family. She was known for hosting gatherings filled with laughter, good food, and love. She took pride in cooking and making lasting memories with her grandchildren, whether through games, conversation, or simply being together. She found joy in life’s little indulgences.

Honoring her wishes, private family services were held on April 10, 2026. Her cremated remains will be interred on a later date. Those who wish to express sympathy, in lieu of flowers, in memory of Cindy, donations may be made to American Brain Tumor Association https://www.abta.org