Cynthia A. Grace

Cynthia is missed by her loving husband, Gary James, daughter Liana Chambliss, son Zani Perry, siblings: Deborah Grace, Shenita Daniels, Diane Grace (Eric Coleman), Harry Grace, Jr. (Charly Ann Grace), nieces and nephews: David, Harry, Erica, Christon, Christopher, Raisheania, Leon and Shalek, in addition: Danielle Harvey, Christopher James, Dearest friends and “besties” Jarrette, Wanda and Carlene, aunt Betty, dear cousins Vera and Janice, great nieces and nephews, and a host of family and friends, including colleagues throughout her professional career at Columbia University and City University of New York.

Cynthia, was preceded in death by her parents Leola and Harry Grace, sister Jacqueline Grace, nephew Lamont Daniels, grandparents Carribel and Harry Grace, Lula Mae, and Rosco Bostick; aunts: Beatrice, Rosie, and Mabel and dearest friend, Regina Miller.

Those who knew Cynthia will remember her for her unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone she encountered, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed her path.

Dr. Cynthia Grace had a rewarding career as a psychologist, consultant, and author. She held two doctoral degrees; one in Counseling and Organizational Psychology, from Columbia University, and the other in Clinical Psychology from the Graduate Center, CUNY. Dr. Grace also attended La Sorbonne, University of Paris. As a result of her many years of study, she developed expertise in several classic and contemporary modalities of psycho-therapeutic intervention. For nearly three decades, Dr. Grace has served as a teacher, researcher, and direct service provider. After directing the counseling center of the CUNY Graduate Center, she accepted a faculty appointment in the Department of Psychology at City College. Her primary focus at City College was teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. A few years after earning tenure, she was elected Chairperson of the Psychology Department and achieved the distinction of being the first woman and person of color to finish a term as chair in the department’s history. Among her most rewarding roles was her tenure as a psychological consultant with the I Have A Dream Foundation where she was charged with designing and implementing interventions and other activities aimed at promoting the academic and personal development of middle school children until their successful completion of High School. From 2011 to 2013, she served as Director of Psychology at Harlem Hospital. In 2013, she opened the Nia Center for Coaching and Counseling in Harlem where integrative/holistic mental health services specifically focused on stress reduction are provided.

Dr. Grace was the Chairperson of W.A.R.M., “We All Really Matter,” a Harlem-based non-profit organization meeting the needs of men, women and children who have experienced domestic violence.

In 1999 Cynthia pioneered one of the first luxury black-owned day spas in Harlem, NY, by the name of Cynergy Day Spa. She created a sanctuary for healing, self-care, and empowerment. Her commitment to excellence and genuine care for her clients created a loyal following. Because of this, her spa evolved into a beloved institution, still run by one of her most beloved estheticians to this day in Brooklyn, NY.

Cynthia was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was marked by love, compassion, and unwavering dedication to those needing assistance and care. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of family, friends, and those whose lives she touched. We ask that you remember her for the way she lived her life, and the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Although Cynthia's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May her memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth her legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. Cynthia’s light will forever shine brightly in our hearts.

A service to celebrate and honor the life of Cynthia Grace, will be held on March 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Quattlebaum Funeral, 5411 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida 33417, www.diginitymemorial.com and broadcasted live via Zoom. Join the meeting: us06web.zoom.us. Meeting ID: 861 8521 0426.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to National Cares Mentoring Movement www.caresmentoring.org to continue Cynthia’s mission of touching hearts and honoring her dedication of helping others.