Cynthia Ethel Davis

Cynthia Ethel Davis was born on September 17, 1953 to loving parents, Charles Edward and Ethel Louwayne Davis, in Charleston, West Virginia. She was welcomed by older brother Robert L. “Bobby” Holmes and older sister Shirley J. Holmes. The family later added two more daughters, Mary Ellen and Cydney Louwayne Davis. Cynthia started elementary school in Charleston, later moving to Kenton, Ohio where she finished her primary schools, graduating from Kenton Senior High School in 1971. Cynthia played the alto and bass clarinet in the marching and concert bands, was active in sports including basketball, volleyball, bowling, tennis and gymnastics. She was inducted into the National Honor Society in 1971. Cynthia was an excellent debater and public speaker, often chairing youth programs at her home church, Payne Chapel A.M.E. in Kenton. Cynthia went on to attend Ohio State University, where she not only furthered her education, she forged lifelong friendships. She worked at CAMACAO in Columbus, Ohio becoming the youngest center director at the agency. Cynthia took a career leap by moving to Los Angeles, California where she worked for International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Union (IATSE). Cynthia’s return to Columbus was fueled by her love for life partner, Frank W. Watson. They have enjoyed a well over twenty year relationship and personified the union of soul mates. Cynthia loved Frank’s daughters: Cheryl Watson, Rhonda Barber, and Averi Frost and the grandchildren as her own. Cynthia was also the caregiver for her father, who was in Kenton. She made his later days easier, becoming his right hand and confidante. In 1991, Cynthia began her career as Assistant to the President and CEO of the Columbus Compact. She excelled there, employing her managerial and organization skills, her professionalism, her abject love and compassion for people, and her desire to improve life in the communities of Columbus. Cynthia truly loved the Compact and felt a special kinship with her boss, Jonathon Beard, whom she often said was like a son to her. Cynthia, or “Auntie”, as she was known by her numerous nieces and nephews was a true star in their lives. She loved them all so deeply and made each one feel that they were special. She was the strong one, the “go to” person in the family. In times of trial, Cynthia was the first one by your side. Her love was boundless. You never had to wonder whether Cynthia was your friend, she made it known. Cynthia was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Ethel Davis, her sister Shirley (Holmes) Gilliam, and her beloved niece Tia Louwayne Burks. She is survived by her life partner: Frank W. Watson; brother: Robert L. Holmes (Thomasine), sisters: Mary E. (Davis) Bunn (Alphonso) and Cydney L. Davis; aunt: Cornelia Brown; nephews: Eunious Burks Jr. (Gloria), Vincent Holmes, Robert Holmes, Mark Holmes, Brian Holmes, Alphonso Bunn, Dexter Bunn; nieces: Valarie Holmes, Tammy Holmes, Jamie (Holmes) Garcia (Michael), Cassandra (Bunn) Spruill and Destiny Holmes; godson: Richard Ian Johnson; “sister” cousins: Cydnie Ann Bodie, Velta Cunningham, Gail Ogletree, Sara Burgess, Mary Burgess, Debbie Cook; and a host of family and friends that Cynthia loved happily and completely.