Cynthia Octavia Mayes will be remembered as a strong woman of faith who fiercely loved her family and friends. Cyn was born on May 15, 1953 to Raphael Durr Jr. and Mildred Tillery. She met her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 16, 2018. Nicknamed “Cyn,” she grew up in Chicago, IL the second of four siblings and received her elementary education at Sacred Heart Catholic School. She graduated from Mercy High in Chicago in the year 1971 and went on to attain her degree in business administration from Hayward State University in California.
With over 30 years’ experience in the finance industry, Cynthia had a hard work ethic and often went above and beyond to take care of her family. She began her career working for UCB Bank, First Interstate Bank, Sanwa Bank, and more before transitioning into the Automotive finance field where she was most recently a Funding Analyst for Exeter Finance LLC.
Cynthia loved singing and both led and participated in numerous church choirs. She also assisted and participated in several Life Groups at her church. She enjoyed sports and was a fan of all the teams of the places she called home: the Chicago Bear, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco 49ers and Golden State Warriors.
Her favorite place to be was with her family, both immediate and extended, and friends no matter the setting. She made time to support and recognize all. Cynthia was a Christian and was a member at Covenant Church of Carrolton, TX. She also was a member of the Lion's Club and Toast Masters during various periods of her life.
She married Perry C. Leonard Sr. on September 2nd of 1973 and from this union was born her only child Perry C. Leonard Jr. Later, she married James A. Mayes III on August 10th of 1991 to whom she maintained an abiding and lasting love until the day of her homegoing.
Cynthia was preceded in death by her Father, Raphael Durr Jr., Mother Mildred Tillery, and Sister Denise Allen
She is survived by her Husband, James A. Mayes III; Son, Perry C. Leonard Jr; Daughter-in-Law: DeeDee Leonard; Step-Children, James A. Mayes IV, Alisha Johnson (Milagro Johnson - Son-in-law), and Mychael Mayes; Grandchildren, Tashawn R. Leonard, Tianjanae R. Leonard, Talia R. Leonard, Dashanique Elahi, Gamon Howard Jr., James A. Mayes V, Journey Mayes, Lyric Mayes, and Myzaye Z. Mayes; Great-Grandchildren, Tristan R. Leonard, Taelyn R. Littlejohn, Treslyn R. Leonard, Jaeda C. Maxwell, Naveah Mayes, and Emeko Elahi; Siblings, Raphael H. Durr III, and Keith M. Allen Sr; Cousin, Tammy Mayes
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