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Joseph Lackey
November 11, 2023
I met Cindy as an adolescent when I was participating in a summer program for high school students @ Western Carolina University. I'm sorry to hear about her passing. I was listening to an old Carly Simon album called 'No Secrets' to which she'd introduced me that summer.
Gary Lineberger
March 23, 2012
I went to UMYF with Cindy, she was absolutely the sweetest girl around always going out of her way to help everyone she could. In these trying days, I am sure God must need the truely righteous like Cindy for things none of us can understand. She was truely one of the finest human beings.
valerie Bramble
February 4, 2012
To my friends the cloninger family I am so sorry for your loss, I didn't know Cindy only how much her dad Ray tked of her, I'm sure she's on a better place now with no pain but will always be with her family . Truley sorry , Valerie Bramble
Melinda Cleveland
January 21, 2012
Cindy will always have a special place in my heart as one of the first people to make me feel welcome at Bethlehem Church. She was always ready to greet me with that beautiful smile and kind words. It didn't take long for me to see that she was a very selfless person. My prayers are with her family.
Cindy and Michael McCumbee graduation 2009
Terri McCumbee
January 21, 2012
I worked with Cindy for many years at East Gaston. What a wonderful person she was. As a Coach I always knew she would be in her office working when I came in to sign out. I had many conversations with her after practice or a game, no matter how busy she was she would always take time to talk and ask how you and your family were. She mentored my neice and nephews as well as my own children. The countless hours she put in for "her kids" can't be measured. Her unselfish nature and desire to help others was so special. All that hard work and desire made you want to help her any way you could, (even though she would rather do it herself and not bother anyone). Oh that smile and wonderful laugh!!!
Heaven gained a angel this week while we lost one at East Gaston. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God bless you and provide you some peace and comfort in the coming weeks, through the knowledge that Cindy touched so many lives. Please keep East Gaston in your prayers as well.
PRISCILLA BARNETT
January 20, 2012
I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS,I WORKED WITH HER AT EAST GASTON.
Cheryl Blackwell
January 20, 2012
Cindy's family, friends, and students: I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I met Cindy on our freshman hall at Wake Forest - she was the same sweet young woman then as reflected in these condolences. I can almost hear her bubbly voice and laugh still, almost 30 years later, now with my own daughter getting ready to go off to college. I hope she will find a friend as nice as Cindy.
Mr. and Mrs. Cloninger, I came home with Cindy once and I remember we went to the "fish camp" for supper. Being from the eastern part of the state, I really had no idea of what to expect when we drove up! A tent maybe?
I regret that Cindy and I lost touch so many years ago. What a wonderful person she was.
January 20, 2012
I had the pleasure of working with Cindy through Gaston College. Her upbeat, positive attitude was an inspiration for everyone who came into contact with her..I guess our "good news" dinner will be in heaven..bless you Cindy for being an angel on earth..I will truly miss you!! Vickie
Monica Brooks
January 20, 2012
Her light still shines in so many.
Liz Berley
January 20, 2012
So sorry for your loss. After looking at the guest book one can see how many lives Cindy touched. Prayers and condolences to your family.
DONNA BARBER
January 19, 2012
Ms cindy .I only had the pleasure of meeting you once my daughter goes to E.G I know you will be missed by lots Our prayers are with your family even though I only met you once but that was all it took for me to know how wonderful of a person you were.May you rest peacefuly in heaven.
melanie cook
January 19, 2012
Ms. Cloninger was such a staple for our school, for my life. She saw me through some tough times. She was always there for me. I am sure not much changed in the twenty years since I left there. My heart and prayers go out to her family. I pray you take comfort in knowing the many, many lives she changed. I have thought of her often and will never forget her.
Kim O'Donoghue
January 19, 2012
we will miss you Thank you for everything you did for me.
January 19, 2012
Hello, I am the daughter of Sarah Sigmon Edwards. I remember you, Ray, when you visited our home at the time of her death. I appreciated your effort so much to come all the way to SC. Frances McCall Lyerly told me about Cindy and her illness and asked for prayer. We have been keeping her in our prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and Ann are in our prayers as well during this difficult time. Sandra Helms
Leslie Beam
January 19, 2012
I arrived at East Gaston in 1989 for my sophomore year. I had zero self-confidence and self-esteem because bullies in 7th grade had completely ripped both to shreds. Ms. Cloninger saw this and helped me rebuild both stronger than they were before. That is a debt that I will never be able to repay! She was an amazing, wonderful woman that I will miss dearly. East Gaston alumni can rest assured that out Warrior angel will be watching over us all!
January 18, 2012
so sorry for your loss cindy and i worked at church together on vacation bible schools alot and she was a dear friend she was a women of god and we will miss her teresacoleman
Tina Smith
January 17, 2012
Reading the guest book showed a life well lived that touched so many in a wonderful way! Prayers and condolences to the family.
Jamie Hicks
January 17, 2012
I had the honor to spend time with Ms. Cloninger during my years at EGHS... She was a true woman of honor! She took the time to talk when no one else wanted to listen. She was always honest and sincere and I admired her. God surely blessed many people through her - I am thankful for our talks and her loving advice. May the family find strength and peace during this time and know the legacy of love she has left behind.
Kyetra Bryant
January 17, 2012
I was a new student at EG the end of my sophomore year, the first person that greeted me was Ms. Cloninger I can honestly say she is one of the nicest and most sincere person I have ever met in my whole entire life. She was not an average Guidance Counselor she always went above and beyond. She gave great advice and truly cared about everyone that was in her presence. I am glad she is in a better place and that I was foturnate enough to meet her, she was such a jewel and can never be replaced.
Miss you and R.I.P.
Kerry Brady
January 17, 2012
I can't help but think back to when I was at EG and needed some guidance or should I say, was given the advice whether I wanted it or not.I went to Ms. Cloninger and she was always very open and friendly. She didn't make you feel like you were a bad person. I will always take that with me in life. We will miss you, always
Gail Sigmon
January 17, 2012
This is a sad time for all who knew and loved Cindy. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ann and Ray and the family. I can still see her standing in our drive getting ready to leave for the beach after high school graduation. With love, Jerry and Gail Sigmon (Shelley's parents)
Ben Morris
January 17, 2012
Ms Cloninger will be remembered for her genuine love and compassion for kids. Not only did she touch the lives of the students at East Gaston, she was commited to the children's ministry at Bethlehem Church. We will miss you!
susie michael
January 17, 2012
It sadden me deeply to hear abt ms. cloninger may she r.i.p she was a great lady and always there when you needed her. God got a wonderful angel. my prayers go out to her family. ms. c. will truely be missed.
Jennifer Hester Foster
January 17, 2012
I will always remember Ms. Cloninger as a sweet lady who always had a smile on her face. I was very saddened to hear of her passing. I am glad to hear of her faith and believing that she will is eternally healed.
Cain Beard
January 16, 2012
Ms. Cloninger was such a great Christian woman. She always had a smile on her face and spread that joy to everyone she came into contact with. She cared for each and every student that she came into contact with. You will be missed Ms. Cloninger but, we know that you are rejoicing with our Lord and Savior tonight.
Susan Bumgarner Slawter
January 16, 2012
I remember Cindy (Ms. Cloninger, then) so fondly from my years at EG. She was such a sweet and caring person and you could tell she loved her job. It was her calling and although all those turbulent times of high school are far behind me, I can't imagine that I wouldn't have survived them without her guidance and support. She will truly be missed and you are all in my prayers.
Angela Keziah
January 16, 2012
Ms. Cloninger was loved by so many people and she touched a lot of lives. I know she'll be missed at EG. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Leslie Gibbons
January 16, 2012
Ms. Cloninger you will be sorely missed. Thank you for all you did for all of us at EGHS.
Robyn Martin
January 16, 2012
May God keep the family in his loving arms. Cindy was a wonderful caring person. Robyn Martin, North Gaston High
School
April Mustian
January 16, 2012
I don't think it is a coincidence at all that Ms. Cloninger is being laid to rest on MLK Day. She, too, lived through helping others. Her actions were selfless, to say the least. She saw no color, no SES, no differences among her students. She acted out of love, out of hope, and out of absolute belief in the potential of her "kids". She was like no other person I ever encountered. She is the type of educator I continue to strive to be. No one ever had to question Ms. Cloninger's motives or where her heart was. Her heart was with her students. Her heart was with me. Missing her more than words can say but thankful that she no longer suffers. We all just gained an angel and cheerleader for eternity! My prayers are with her family during this time.
Roxie Crawford
January 16, 2012
I am at a loss for words. I just want you to know I'm thinking of all of you.
Deena Acker
January 16, 2012
Ms Cloniger encouraged me when I was a teen. She made sure that I knew that I could do anything! What a loss to the community! She will be missed!
Rhonda Rowe Adams
January 16, 2012
One of my clearest memories of Cindy is her painting a Fellowship of Christian Athletes banner in the hallway during her time at Hunter Huss High School. It was during her leadership of the FCA at Hunter Huss that students first began volunteering at the processing center for Operation Christmas Child. Though Cindy's time at Hunter Huss High School was short, please know that her life, and her living witness for Christ, made a difference.
Jamie Ewing
January 16, 2012
Ms. Cloninger had a direct impact on me at a very young age when I was in the 4th grade at GE Massey over 25 years ago. She spent a lot of time and energy making students lives better. She was a very special person to those fortunate enough to have known her.
Ann Cates
January 16, 2012
Cindy was always willing to help other people. Her kindness has meant a great deal to our family, and she is forever in our hearts. We are so sorry for your loss.
Donna Treadway
January 16, 2012
Miss Cindy, was a true blessing to so many of us at East Gaston high school, not only to her students but, also the staff she was a true christian and we all learned alot from her. Her smiles and love was shared by everyone who came in contact with her, from the flagpole to the classroom, she was always the same. we will all love and miss her very much! she was a true inspiration to me. IM so sorry for your's and our loss, Cindy will be missed forever. DONNA TREADWAY
Susan Donaldson
January 16, 2012
I am so sorry about your loss. Cindy was a sweet lady. She will be missed but never forgotten.
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. I am praying for all of you...
January 16, 2012
"Our sincere sympathy and condolences to you and your family"... Ken Swope and A.Tyler Reese (Liberty, SC)
Melanie Dellinger
January 16, 2012
It was a blessing and an honor to have known Ms. Cloninger. She was an inspiration to so many of us and truly had a loving heart for every one and her heart for the Lord was evident in all she said and did. She will be greatly missed!
Dana Hudson
January 16, 2012
Ms. Cloninger was a gift to every student that walked through the doors of East Gaston. She was the bright, smiling face and confidant that we needed during our adolescent years. I can't help but feel a huge sense of loss but also grateful to have been blessed with her presence in my life. Ms. Cloninger was a bright light in what can sometimes be a very dark world. She will be missed but her legacy will live on through every student's life she touched.
Danna Jones
January 16, 2012
Ms. Cloninger was simply an angel. She exuded joy and shared her love of the Lord with those around her. She touched the lives of so many East Gaston students, and she will be forever missed. All those who knew her knew of her kindness. If we could all strive to incorporate that kindness she showed us into our everyday lives, I know we can make Ms. Cloninger proud and honor her memory.
Becky Smith
January 16, 2012
As tears fill my eyes at the news of Ms. Cloniger; I know that she is in a better place with no pain and suffering. She is looking down on us and seeing what an impact she has made over the years. We will all miss her very much, but will always remember the lessons of love and compassion she showed us all. We love you Ms. Cloniger!!!
Debbie Dover
January 16, 2012
Ms. Cloninger was a sweet, loving, and thoughtful person inside and out. I was new to East Gaston along with my daughter and she made us feel so welcomed. She was always there for me whenever I needed her and I appreciated that to the upmost. We will miss her dearly and will remember her always in our heart. I pray that the Lord comfort her family and friends in these difficult times. I pray that the Lord mend and heal those broken hearts and that he will give you peace.
Christy Kelly
January 15, 2012
Ms. Cloninger was an amazing woman and a tremendous asset to the students at East Gaston. She was there for me through difficult times and she always had a smile and encouraging words. I pray for the Lord to comfort her family at this very sad time. She will be truly missed and she certainly made an amazing mark in this temporary life.
Kristen Cozart
January 15, 2012
It was an honor to have had Miss Cloninger as my counselor throughout my high school career. She always went above and beyond to prepare me for college and did so with a big smile and, of course, a warm heart. I will miss her dearly. I am lifting her family & friends up in prayer.
Jean Peach
January 15, 2012
Cindy's sweet smile and kindness will be truly missed. My prayers go to your family, as you continue to heal and find peace.
Crystal Sides
January 15, 2012
We will miss you. You will always be in my heart!
Morgan Simril receving the Cindy Cloninger Mount Holly Rotary Scholarship
Morgan Simril
January 15, 2012
Morgan Simril
January 15, 2012
My prayers and thoughts go out to Ms. Cloninger's family. Ms. Cloninger was a very inspirational person. She always was there to offer kind words of wisdom, and always found the positive in every situation. She has helped and touched so many students, and she will live and be remembered in our hearts forever. I feel honored to have received the Cindy Cloninger scholarship, because I got to share a very precious moment that touched both our lives in such a special way. I will remember her inspirational words forever, and I will continue to follow my dream, and make sure I will not let Ms. Cloninger down because I know she will be watching over all of us from heaven.
Farrah Dee
January 15, 2012
Words can not express how sad it is to lose such a wonderful person who touched so many lives but there is also joy knowing that she is in a better place and we will get to see her again if we put our Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. My prayers are with the family during this sad time May God sent his confront your way!
Farrah Dee
Susan Eubanks Brewer
January 15, 2012
Ray, Ann, Kent and Karla - so sorry to hear of Cindy's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Cindy was a wonderful person; a bright and shining light.
Amy McAulay
January 15, 2012
I am honored to have known Cindy for these past six years and she has always been a beacon for students and staff at East Gaston. My thoughts and prayers continue for the Cloninger family. She truly was a warrior in her battle.
Billie & Bob Williams
January 15, 2012
Our hearts are heavy to hear this news. Prayers are (and have been) with you and family along this difficult road. Remain strong in your faith and know friends are holding you up near and far.
January 15, 2012
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Ron & Elaine Harrell
Scott Wright
January 15, 2012
We should all strive to be as compassionate and caring as Ms. Cloninger. She was an inspiration to many and served as a light house of sorts for many students as they started on the highway to adulthood. I was fortunate enough to have known her during my high school years at East Gaston. Cheerful in all weather and made time for everyone. Heaven has surely gained a special angel as she will be truly missed by her family and friends. I am sincerely sorry for this untimely loss and my prayers to her family.
Dianne Briere
January 15, 2012
My thoughts and prayers for strength during this difficult time goes out to the entire Cloninger family. Cindy you were such a tremendous inspiration to my two children at East Gaston from 2000 to 2008. You got them both headed in the right direction and Im proud to say both my daughter and son Chris and Lindsey Briere are college graduates. They both appreciated your dedication and so did I. You also inspired me to get a counseling degree. Why such a dedicated leader had to leave, God only knows. Rest in peace in your new heavenly home.
Dianne, Lindsey and Christopher Briere
January 15, 2012
Ray, we are so sorry for your loss.
family of Kenneth E. Nantz Jr.
Starr & Gary McCorkle
January 15, 2012
Please know our thoughts are with you. Whenever I saw your daughter, she always seemed to be smiling...beaming with Christian Love for others...such a pretty girl. May the family be comforted by the love of the Lord, Family, and Friends. God Bless you now and always.
Lynn Frazier
January 15, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss. Ms. Cloninger was such a great inspiration to all whose lives she touched. She has really meant a lot to all of her students and I know she did to Ethan. We will keep the entire family in our prayers and Cindy will never be forgotten. It was an honor to know her.
(Jay, Lynn, Ethan, and Maggie Frazier)
Charlene High
January 15, 2012
Oh, I am so sad to hear of Cindy's passing. I lost touch with her since retiring as a counselor from Gaston County Schools where we served together for years so did not know she had been sick. Cindy was such a precious person.... a living example of Christ.... such an upbeat and positive person. She was like a ray of sunshine when she walked into the room and she will be sorely missed by so many. I know without a doubt that she is reaping her reward in Heaven. Still, my heart breaks for our loss of such a tremendous person.
Nikki Boone
January 15, 2012
Our loss is certainly heaven's gain. I did not know Cindy long or well but the time we did spend together in the process of purchasing her home made an impact on me that will not be soon forgotten. My prayers are with the family now and in the days ahead.
Susan Clark
January 15, 2012
Cindy was an inspiration to those whose lives she touched. I am so sorry for your loss and am praying for your family at this time.
Zena Sizemore Butler
January 15, 2012
You are in my prayers. Cindy will always live on in the lives she touched. May you feel God's Grace during this difficult time.
Bari Hendrix
January 15, 2012
Thinking and praying for the family. I remember Cindy's beautiful smile and love for her Lord. The last time I was blessed to hear her sing was at the campground and she sang ,I Surrender All. She did .
Bari Hendrix
cynthia mcclure
January 15, 2012
so sorry for your loss. we went to high school together.may god bless you
Barbara Bush
January 15, 2012
I am so saddened for your loss. Know that you are in my prayers & thoughts.
Grady Williams
January 15, 2012
Cindy Cloninger was one of the most sincere and devoted Christians that I have ever known. We both spent much of our lives devoted to the students at East Gaston High School. Her compassion in work, duties performed without complaints, and loyalty to all the students she helped with her wisdom, all the money she secretly gave so students could eat a good lunch, staying late after school to support FCA and other groups even during her illness did not go unnoticed. During the times that I tried to comfort her she was always more of an inspiration to me. She was a true Warrior! Blessings to the family.
Craig and Tracy Rubrecht
January 15, 2012
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life". Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dreama Gammon
January 15, 2012
So sorry to hear about your daughter the Cloninger family. My heart breaks for you I do not know what to say or imagine losing a child. Please know everyone is in our prayers and thoughts. May the lord hold you tightly and carry you through these days ahead. Once again so sorry for your loss.
Dreama, Kerry & Shala Gammon
January 15, 2012
Dear Cloninger family,
Although I didn't know your daughter, I have known and admired Ray through horse shows and meetings and wish to extend my sympathy to your family. Cindy appears to have been a wonderful person and a person I would have enjoyed knowing.
Sincerely,
Judy Lowry, Illinois
January 15, 2012
Cindy could make a total stranger feel like they had known her for years. I met her when I was volunteering at East East Gaston High School.
I am sure that she has found peace and I am relieved to know that her pain is gone. Wishing blessings and favor on the family.
January 15, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the Cloninger family as they accept the loss of their loved one. I pray that they will find peace in knowing that Cindy is now in a place reaping the great rewards for her hard work, faithfulness, and love for others. She was in God and God was in her. Rest in his promises that we can see her again.
With more love than words will ever express (Yeva Hall-Williamson, Gastonia, NC; Warrior Family)
Mitchell and Yvonne Merck
January 15, 2012
We did not know your daughter,Cindy, but our children did. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We understand she was a beautiful Christian lady. May God comfort you as only he can. Love in Christ.
casey conner
January 15, 2012
Ms. Cloniger was my councler for 5 years and every word was inspirational and touching. She will be truly missed. She was a very sweet lady and very sweet. I will miss her and so will many others.
Jodi Weathers
January 15, 2012
So sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in my prayers..
Jodi Weathers
Our Warrior
Rita Wilkinson
January 15, 2012
Cindy was a Warrior in the truest sense. She always had a smile on her face and the willingness to help you no matter what else was going on with her. My thoughts and prayers are extended to her family, whom she loved a great deal. What a homecoming it must have been when she entered Heaven and met Jesus.
Gary Hayes
January 15, 2012
Cindy will truly be missed by her friends @ Bethlehem Church. Her smile would light up the room. Heaven has a smiling angel amoung them now. Thanks for your decipleship for Jesus Christ. You will be missed........
megan lynch
January 15, 2012
It was three years ago at this time when I came back to my mama and daddy's house, with my new born son. He was a collic baby and night time, was the absolute worst time. I hated night, feeling like the entire world had left me alone. One night while I was up walking the living room, I looked out across the road to find a light on. Cindy was at home, with her mama and daddy. In the biggest fight of her life, she was helping me fight mine. Every night I would look for her light and most nights it was on. Most the time when we are going through struggles in this life we feel weakened by them. I would think about her as I rocked macoy back and forth, back and forth. I was so thankful for her, for the light she turned on in the darkness for me. If it would have been someone or somewhere else I might not have noticed. It was that I knew she was in this huge struggle of her own, but she kept her "light" on. She had a mission and a purpose and cancer did not stop her from getting it done. From her, I learned to leave the light on, even for people that don't deserve a light at all. I will always remember what she did for me and macoy. I keep thinking about that song, thankyou. I hope as God walked through her life with her the other day, there was a place where He stopped to show her that first night when I found her light and I hope He tells her thankyou. megan
kimberly richards
January 15, 2012
she was loved by many she helped people in so many ways she always had a smile on her face she will be loved and never forgotten prayers go out to the family
Jacob Deaton
January 15, 2012
You will always have a special place in my heart. With your warm smile and guiding insight, you always made my problems seem to melt away. Thanks for all you did for all of us at East Gaston. You will be missed but not forgotten.
Carolyn & Jon Walker
January 14, 2012
Ray, we are so sorry to hear of your family's tragic loss. I know you will miss her greatly but are relieved she is no longer suffering. It's not a natural process to lose your children before your time, but one day when it is your time, it will make it easier because your two beautiful daughters are waiting for you in heaven!!!Until then we are ALL praying for you and your family that God gives you peace and comfort in this time of unbearable sorrow. We love ya Ray,
Jon & Carolyn Walker, Jocelyn & Jordan
Diane Reeves
January 14, 2012
Cindy will be missed so very much. I am praying for all of you, and also praising God that Cindy is now cancer-free and full of life again. I imagine her warm, sweet smile as she heard Jesus say "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
Jaclyn Morton
January 14, 2012
Ms. Cindy I love you so much! You are an inspiration and a fire for God! I am so happy that you get to fulfull your wish of being back in your Church and singing with us on Sundays. I know you will be there in love and in spirit Sunday and every day to follow. I hope that I can be half of the person you were. You have been there for me for so many years of my life and i will be forever thankful. I will see you one day again. Love you
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