Cynthia Elizabeth Byrd

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Cynthia Finley was born in Charleston, South Carolina on September 4, 1950, the third of five children reared in the household of George Finley, Sr. and Miranda Burns Finley. As a child, she attended Shiloh AME Church, where she was nurtured in the fear and admonition of the Lord. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and submitted (herself) to learning and growing in the Christian faith.
Cynthia was enrolled in the public school system of Charleston, as a student at AB Rhett Elementary School and Burke High School. In both schools, she thrived academically. Upon graduating, she attended Voorhees College in Denmark, South Carolina. She left school for a period of time and later returned to complete her Bachelor's degree.
Cynthia migrated to Rochester, New York after her marriage to Robert Byrd in New York City. She was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved and supported her husband until the marriage ended. In classic Cynthia fashion, she continued to love him after. She was a very proactive and engaged parent, promoting her children's success in academics, sports, the performing arts, and employment. More important, she fervently dedicated time toward her children's social development and growth in Christian character. As dedicated as she was to the growth and development of her children, she was doubly dedicated to the growth and development of her grandchildren. She left the workforce for many years to commit time to helping raise her four oldest grandchildren who affectionately call her "Mom."
Cynthia was very involved in her community by way of employment and volunteerism. She worked in human services positions for the Monroe County Social Services Department (DSS), the Rochester City School District, and the Mental Health Association, just to name a few. She was involved in the leadership of the Marketview Heights Association and involved with Habitat for Humanity. She also volunteered for an organization that provided people to attend funeral services for those who pass away without family members.
Cynthia was quite involved in church and community ministry activities. She was a Sunday School teacher at New Bethel CME Church and United Missionary Baptist Church. During her time at United Missionary Baptist Church, she became an ordained Evangelist under the supervision of the late Pastor Simon Lowe, Jr. Later, she united with Peace Missionary Baptist Church where she continued to be involved in church ministry. In 2015, she graduated from CATEVA Chaplain Training Institute and became an ordained community chaplain. In 2016, she relocated to Houston, Texas. While in Houston, she united with Southwest Central Church, where she continued to be involved in church ministry work.
Cynthia married Robert Clemmons in 2010. She, again, was a dedicated wife who loved and supported her husband, dearly. They spent time, together, traveling to visit family members and engaging in ministry work.
He loved her, too, and cared for her until her death.
Cynthia is preceded in death by her parents, George Finley, Sr, and Miranda Finley; brother, George Finley, Jr.; her former husband, Pastor Robert Byrd; and son Rashad Byrd. She leaves to mourn, her husband of 14 years, Robert Clemmons; three children: Tamiko Byrd, Dr. Tamala David (Steven), and Robert Byrd, Jr. (Rachel); six grandchildren: Cocoa, Ginger (Qur'an), Joshua, Cinnamon, Joseph, and Jonah; two great-grandchildren: Na'ruq and Ny Meria; three siblings: Ruth (AKA "Peggy"), Joseph (Bernadette), and Cathy (Terrence). She also leaves to mourn a host of sisters and brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends (special acknowledgement to Joe Ethel Williams, Ann Johnson, Susan Lee, and Martha Bennett).