CYNTHIA MEELY

Cynthia Ann Meely was born on March 25, 1949, in Dallas, Texas, to parents Clariece Martin and Spencer Dewberry Jr. She was also blessed with a loving bonus parent, Robert Martin, who played a significant role in shaping her life.

During her childhood, Cynthia's family moved from Tyler, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois. She attended Hyde Park Academy High School, where she proudly graduated in 1967. Thirty years later, she pursued higher education at the American Inter Continental University earning a Master's degree in Business.

Cynthia dedicated 25 years of her career as an insurance agent with State Farm before retiring in 2000. Her love for children and people led her to work as a substitute teacher. Later, she became a Lyft driver, a role she thoroughly enjoyed.

A devoted daughter, Cynthia moved back to Tyler, Texas, to care for her parents until their passing. She accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior in 1990 at Full Gospel Christian Assembly, where she taught youth Sunday School and graduated from the FGCA School of Ministry. Upon returning to Tyler, she became an active member of Shady Grove Baptist Church.

In 1967, Cynthia met Clifford Meely, they got married and from their union, two children were born: Tordell Meely and Nemika Meely. Though they later divorced, she remained a dedicated mother, attending every school game, recital, and play her children participated in. She always took time to talk, play with, and counsel her children, grandchildren, and even their friends. Affectionately known as “Mom” or “Granja,” she was a mother figure to many.

After bravely battling breast cancer and surviving a heart attack, Cynthia ultimately succumbed to lung cancer and transitioned on March 11, 2025.

She is survived by her son, Tordell Meely (Annemarie); daughter, Nemika Meely; aunt, Maye Miller; sister, Caroline Smith (Major Dwight) of Forney, Texas; brother, Herbert Jackson (Monique) of Los Angeles, California; sister-in-law, Brenda Thompson; Dallas, Texas grandchildren: Julian Meely, Deshea Meely, Alazhe Coggs, Tyra Voget, Aaliyah Meely, Angeni Meely, Alexandria Ross, Nathaniel Meely, Aidan Ross, Stephanie Dreesen, and Michael Dreesen; as well as a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Cynthia was preceded in death by her parents, Clariece Martin and Robert Martin; her brother, Louis Thompson; and her sister, Shirley Hollis.