Cynthia J. McPheeters

Click Here To view service

Cynthia J. Jackson McPheeters was born in Buffalo, New York on November 17, 1943 to the late Leroy Jackson, Sr and Lillian Lewis Jackson. Cynthia was 80 Years Old. For years she resided on Mortimer Street, one of the then only cobble stone streets left in the City of Buffalo. She attended Public School, and she graduated front Grover Cleveland High School. Cynthia's choice for college was the University of Buffalo. Cynthia accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior in 1997.

Cynthia was raised in an extended family home with her loving parents, her younger brother Leroy jr. (Poppa), a paternal grandmother Josephine Jackson, and Aunt Mary (Dolly) Jackson who was like a second mother to Cynthia along with Annette (Nettie) and Cheryl (Mason) Snead, her two cousins.

Cynthia spent much of her time in the Lewis home where there were many parties, trips and times of worshipping together in church, Cynthia looked forward to those times, however, two requirements were written in stone: the grandchildren cleaned on Saturday and attended church on Sunday. The children often have parties among themselves after cleaning but they did not mind because they were allowed to buy and prepare whatever foods and treats they desired. On Sundays after church services Momma Lela Lewis would serve up a scrumptious meal.

At home on Mortimer Street Aunt Dollie made sure that Cynthia had extra-curricular activities that also enhanced her social development. In the summer months she attended summer camp and participated in arts and crafts programs. In the fall Cynthia took tap dancing classes and gymnastics. As a young girl she was a Girl Scout at the now historical Westminster House. Cynthia loved hanging out with her "Sister-Cousins”. There were six of them: Verna, Mae, Joanie, Marge, Joanne and Jackie, she spent most of her weekends during her teenage years with them on Monroe Street in Lewis’ home.

Cynthia had many close friendships that survived her high school years, and she remained in contact with them in and out of Buffalo. Often, she would fondly recall spending time with her Hamlin Park, Bennett and Grover Cleveland friends. She called the girls, Dottie, Diane, Pat, Shirley and of course Cliffie.

In Cynthia's teen years she served in The Ellicott District, an avid supporter of the Democratic Party, she served at the poles and rallied door to door to put many on the ballots for Over 30 years.

Cynthia loved fashion and She worked at A M & A's. On any given Saturday Cynthia could be round at Sattler’s Department store on Broadway. Something you may not know about Cynthia is that she modeled during the pre-show of several Ebony Fashion Fairs at Klienhans Music Hall. Cynthia worked for The Buffalo Public Schools in several capacities. She was a supervisor for the bus aides and she retired from the district while working at Lafayette High School. In her later years Cynthia traveled quite a bit spending time with friends on the west coast and her grandchildren in GA.

While attending college Cynthia met and married Charles McPheeters. They purchased a home in the Hamlin Park area. Cynthia and Charles became the proud parents of two beautiful daughters Connie and Carmen. Cynthia was blessed with three grandchildren. A granddaughter Ashley from Connie and grandsons Andrew and Joshua from Carmen. Cynthia was a doting grandmother and very proud of her grandchildren's accomplishments.

In August of 2013 Cynthia suffered a major heart attack, it was certainly a setback but being the tenacious fighter that she was she had an amazing recovery and remained stable for years. She continued to pursue her love of shopping and traveling and hanging Out With the girls. In September of 2023 Cynthia suffered a stroke. Her daughter Carmen came from Atlanta and after several weeks of hospitalization and rehabilitation Carmen took her mother back to Atlanta to care for her. Cynthia did not yield easily to giving up her independence in Buffalo, but she knew that she was better in a loving environment and spending time with her grandsons.

Cynthia had a loving relationship with her family, and she will be missed by all who loved and cherished her, she left us too soon and suddenly on June 1st, 2024

Cynthia is survived by her Children: Connie McPheeters of Buffalo, New York and Carmen (James) Thomas of Atlanta, Georgia and her former husband Charles McPheeters of Buffalo. New York Who remained a Close friend. One granddaughter Ashley McPheeters of Buffalo and two grandsons Andrew Williamson and Joshua Williamson both of Atlanta, Georgia also special cousins: Joanne Lewis Williams and the Lewis family, Annette Jackson. Dana Jackson (Michelle), and their children Dana Jr., and Sydney Jackson of Syracuse, New York, Cheryl Snead (Dwayne), and their children, Dwayne ll, Daniel (Justine and Chanel Snead Rochester. New York, and a host of great nieces and nephews and extended family and friends who loved her dearly.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cynthia J. McPheeters, please visit our floral store.