A Life Well Lived

Cynthia LaGail Anderson entered this life on June 1, 1965, the 3rd child born to Forrest Anderson and Ruby Helen Carter. She was welcomed by her beloved big brother Larry and sister Volanda "Sissy". They were later joined by the baby of the family Angela.  Cynthia had a wonderful childhood growing up surrounded by her siblings and the extended families of her aunts and uncles and many cousins.  Because of her fear of birds, which she thought were bats, she acquired the nickname "Bat Baby".  At an early age she accepted Christ as her personal Saviour.  She joined New Jerusalem Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. T. L. Wade, with her family.  She loved to sing in the choir.  She later moved her membership to Heart of Christ Church, under Pastor Ronda Kingwood.  Cynthia was a devoted child of God and enjoyed attending religious conferences and performances all over the country.  One of her greatest joys was just sitting around with her family singing gospel songs. She always had a song and a prayer in her heart, even until the end.

Cynthia attended Wichita Public Schools. After completing her GED, she went on to attend Friends University of Wichita to receive her Associate of Science in General Studies Degree in 1993 and her Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems Degree in 1996.  She later received her Master of Arts in Human Resources Development in 1997 from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. She was pursuing and almost completed her doctorate degree when her mother took ill. Education was very important to Cynthia, but even more important to her was family.

She was a devoted and loving daughter, who cared for her ailing mother.  She also loved and cared for her nieces and nephews.  She first took in her nieces Ashley and Roxanne. Later she adopted her great-niece Dontajia and took in her great-niece Alexandria. Aunt Baby as they affectionately called her had a heart of gold!  She took her whole family on many trips across the country.  Doing whatever was needed to care and support them.  She also provided foster care for over 21 years to children with special needs in memory of Sissy. She received a "Soaring Above" award for her work and dedication to children in need. She was quoted as saying, "I give these special kids a home because it exemplifies the humanity that should be in all of us. I take care of them and help them be understood." She also became a guardian for her cousin Robert ensuring his needs and special care.

Cynthia was able to provide for her extended family through her hard work and perseverance. She began her professional career at Boeing in 1985. She retired in 2008 due to health issues, allowing her to dedicate her time and efforts to helping those less fortunate.

In her spare time she loved to travel!  She went on many trips near and far with her many dear friends.  Selina was always Bat Baby's road dog, driving her wherever she needed to go. She also had a very special relationship and bond with the late Geraldine Doxey-Coleman and Mother Herlyne Hatcher and her aunt Leah Gilmer.

After a long illness Cynthia left this life for her home in glory on Monday, July 20, 2020.  She was preceded in death by her mother and father, her brothers Larry Sr., Forrest Jr. and Sr.; sisters Volanda and Lisa Anderson and nephew, Craig "Bo Bo" Martin Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory her stepfather James Penn; daughter, Dontajia Jones; sisters, Angela Martin, Sherry Anderson and Pam Henderson; brothers, Alford and Tommy Anderson; nieces, Alexandra "Granny" Anderson, Amber "Roxanne" Ganaway, Ashley Thomas, Shatoya Oliver and nephews, Larry Anderson Jr., Jeremy and Jerome Anderson; godsons, Avery & Styles Crump and a host of great nieces and nephews, uncles, aunts and cousins and friends.