Cynthia Layton

Cynthia Thornbury Layton, 86, formerly of Prospect, went home to be with the Lord on September 30, 2025.

Cynthia was born in Charleston, WV, on October 17, 1938, to John and Nora Mae Thornbury. She had resided in Ohio since the late 1950s and in Prospect since 1964. She has received skilled and affectionate care at Ohio Living Sarah Moore since March 2023.

Cynthia was a member of Cornerstone Alliance Church in Marion. She loved children and all were precious to her! For years, she was an active participant in childhood Christian education. Now as adults, many in Prospect fondly remember her and credit her with their first introduction to Jesus as a child. Whether they came to her backyard for Good News Clubs, to her tent at Prospect Park for the 4th of July Picnic, or brought to church for Awana, kids came to know Jesus through her songs, stories, and Bible verses. She was also a big supporter of Cornerstone's various missionary programs.

Cynthia babysat many children in Prospect and then at 44, went back to school to become a nurse, where she worked at Grady Memorial Hospital in Delaware for many years. When Cynthia and her husband, Lee, saw a need to help a hearing-impaired member of their church, Lee and Cynthia found a sign language class and began learning sign language. Even years later, up until the month before she died, Cynthia would sign the words to the worship music played in her church, unknowingly blessing all who witnessed her unabashed skill. She and Lee thoroughly enjoyed their large vegetable garden, fruit trees, and flower beds.

Cynthia was predeceased by her parents; her husband of 43 years, Lee Roy Layton; her son, Doug Layton; and her son-in-law Johnny Lemaster. She is survived by her siblings Karen Labuhn of Langley, WA; Kathy Dent (Pat McGhee) of Crestview Hills, KY; Marty Dent of Branford, FL; children Teresa Lemaster of Hilliard; Cynthia (Stuart) Karon of Newton, MA; Cheryl Kimmel of Fort Worth, TX; Rebecca (Fred) Barnett of Memphis, IN; and John (Lisa) Layton of Waldo. She delighted in her many grandchildren: Jeremy (Jennifer) Lemaster of Lancaster; Jamie Williams of Hilliard; Rachelle McKnight (Chris Hodgkins) of Minneapolis, MN; Alexis Norris (Rob Thorne) of Fuquay Varina, NC; Devin (Amber) Layton of West Jefferson; Travis Layton of Columbus; Rosie (Doug) Tilley of Mamaroneck, NY; Grace (Luke) Fangman of Houston, TX; Jeanelle Alexander of Fort Worth, TX; Eve Karon of Brooklyn, NY; Madalyn (David) Brewer of Gahanna; Victoria Layton (Ian Woodley) of Dublin; and Carter (Kamryn) Layton of Syracuse, OH. Cynthia was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Alex, Caleb, Tamsyn, Alaric and Koen Lemaster; Madison and Morgan Williams; Logan and Rylee Layton; Hunter and Mya Layton; Emma Ackerson; Charley and Addie Patel; Theodore and Claire Tilley; and Nora Mae Fangman.

Funeral services will be held Monday October 6, 2025 at 12:00 noon at the Cornerstone Alliance Church, 2010 Marion-Marysville Rd. Marion, Ohio 43302. Pastor Matt Deeren will officiate. Burial will follow in the Prospect Cemetery. Friends may call two hours prior to the service beginning at 10 am at the church.

The Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Donations in Cynthia's name can be made to Samaritan's Purse, Cornerstone Alliance Church for the Great Commission Fund, Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), or the Ohio Living Sarah Moore Employee Care Fund.