FRANKLIN — Cynthia Arlene Matthews died on Monday, Nov. 14, 2016.

She was born on Sept. 16, 1958, to the late James and Nola Matthews. She was the third child born to the couple. Cynthia was very studious and quiet, she could always be found reading.

Cynthia gave her life to Christ at an early age, was baptized, and became a member of Pulaski Baptist Church.

“Cymp,” as she was affectionately known, was a faithful member, serving in the junior choir, as a junior missionary, as part of the Willing Workers and in the 4H Club.

Cynthia was a 1976 graduate of Windsor High School, Windsor, Virginia. After graduation, Cynthia attended St. Paul’s College, graduating in 1980 with her Bachelor of Art’s degree in sociology. She went on to complete a Master of Art’s degree in criminal justice from Florida Metro University.

After college, Cynthia dedicated seven years of military service as a member of the Air Force. During this period, she served at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas; Royal Air Force Base, Lakenheath, England; and MacDill Air Base, St. Petersburg, Florida. Upon her honorable discharge in 1990, Cynthia began a successful career in civil service, where she applied her education and experience to help others as a counselor within the Virginia Department of Corrections. Cynthia also demonstrated her servant leadership as the president of the Western Virginia Chapter of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving son, Ronald D. Matthews of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; three grandchildren, Cameron, Camil, and Caden; five loving sisters, Jean (Marlon) Ballard of Chesapeake, Virginia; Carolyn Gale Matthews-Sherman of Woodbridge, Virginia; Gayla (Robbie) Sheppard of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Chrystal (Robert) Sellers of Suffolk, Virginia; and Kimberly (Joellen) Matthews of Takoma Park, Maryland.

“Cymp” will also be missed by her godsister, Rene Duke Parker of Virginia Beach; Yamina Curry of Richmond, Virginia, a very special friend who “Cymp” loved like a sister; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, coworkers and friends.

Cynthia was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Dennis L. Matthews Sr.; and her beloved aunt, Essie (Aya) Daughtery.

The funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 21, in Pulaski Baptist Church.

Engram Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.