Cynthia Jean McLaughlin

Cynthia Jean Ferguson McLaughlin "Jeanie" peacefully passed away on May 10, 2012 in her home in Boynton Beach, FL. Jeanie was born on October 22, 1947 in Coconut Grove and had a wonderful childhood. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Ollie Wilkes. She was happy to be raised in a church family, Riverside Baptist Church in Miami, where she became a member, was baptized and was born again at age 12. She attended Ponce de Leon Jr. High and Coral Gables Sr. High. After graduating high school she worked at the University of Miami and then went into the advertising business at Crispin Advertising, which she loved. At age 24, she had an opportunity to sell radio time and she then worked at various radio stations, most notably WTMI and WKAT, until her first cancer diagnosis at age 39. Doctors Mnaymneh and Benedetto at UM's Sylvester Cancer Center saved her life and gave her another 25 years (she had been given six months to live.) Four years later, she was diagnosed with another cancer and was then cured. She lived cancer free until 2008 when she started getting tongue cancers. The final cancer came back in her bones. Her incredible strength and faith kept her going until the end. Jeanie married her true love and soulmate, Mac McLaughlin, in 1987 just before her first cancer surgery. They moved to Palm Beach County a couple of years later for Mac's career. Against all odds, Jeanie and Mac always believed that God and the doctors would pull her through. Mac was her rock and was always by her side. He was strong and never faltered. She is survived by her adoring husband, "Terrific" Mac McLaughlin, son Michael John Ferguson (Paula), whom she always called her proudest achievement, her two cherished grandchildren who brought her great joy, adored Davis and her beautiful Kimberly, her sister and best friend Joan (Jay) Wills, their children Julie and James, and Mac's wonderful children and precious grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous cousins, ex-husband Russell (Chris) Ferguson and oodles of friends. She will be so happy to see her Saviour and her parents and once again walk and talk and laugh and eat and dance and play the tambourine in the heavenly choir. If you would like to make a memorial donation, please send to the University of Miami School of Medicine or Vitas Hospice. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Riverside Baptist Church, 10775 SW 104 St, Miami, FL 33176.