May, 29, 2006, dedicated mother and fun-loving friend Cynthia Winston was called to the hereafter. Parallel to how she lived, Cynthia’s demise saturated the area among her friends, co-workers, and fellow motorcycle clubs from hundreds of miles away. Many club members attended her funeral, and displayed an impressive demonstration of camaraderie and support. The Winston family really appreciates all of you and thanks you for making such a strong statement in support of the admiration and respect for Cynthia. Cynthia was snatched away as a result of a tragic chain of events Monday, May29, while she was en route to Fayetteville from South Carolina. Cynthia will be a beckon of joy in our hearts forever. Sadly, I discovered the news Saturday night June 3, the day of the funeral. I walked by the Foxy 99 studios, and heard an announcer EINSTEIN mentioned her name followed by "Rest in Peace." I’m thinking I must have missed the first half of what he said. Maybe, Cynthia had called to send her friends a message of "I need a break…don’t call me." So, I walked in and asked did he just talk to Cynthia or did someone call in. EINSTEIN said frantically, "Did you know her?!" Then, he hit me with the news that Cynthia had been the victim of a tragic accident. It was like being smacked in the head with a bucket of bricks. EINSTEIN added, "I didn’t even know her, but I know she was someone’s mom …someone’s daughter. I’m hurting for her family." It’s bizarre. I kept wondering all week why I had not heard from her after bike week. Like clockwork, Cynthia would call to tell me all about what went on. This time, I never got that call.Cynthia was a mother to her 16 year old son Shawn Bradford—Shawn also lost his father William Bradford tragically more than 8 years earlier—-sister to Michael, Lisa and Queenie, and daughter to Carmenthia Winston, as well as friend and confidant to many. She also took on the responsibilities of being a foster parent. Cynthia was employed with Cumberland County School System at Armstrong elementary. "She was always organized, and could do most anything. Cynthia was always willing to help and do more and to help the cafeteria," Terrie Skimmiehorn said, cafeteria manager at Armstrong Elementary. "She constantly told the children to learn more and do better; the children simply loved her. She told them ‘just call me Ms. Puddin-tane,’ and they did." To demonstrate her assertiveness, Cynthia even created a monthly bulletin board of community activities in one of the area grocers. Skimmiehorn said, "She was so active and aware of people’s needs and feelings, and my kids, who are teenagers, thought she was just wonderful; she had a way of connecting with everybody!" Marie Taylor, assistant cafeteria manager for Armstrong Elementary said "We all knew the children really loved Cynthia. She was also a bus driver, and she kept a smile on her face all the time. She had a real positive attitude, and was easy to work with…oh, and she was always on time, and never complained."
Known to her motorcycle family as Solae, Cynthia was the president and one of the founding members of Special Delivery women’s motorcycle club in Fayetteville. Cynthia "Solae," Yvette "Infinity" Wilkins and Micheala "Storm" Hayes formed a motorcycle club that is respected not only in Fayetteville, but up and down the east coast. Cynthia had friends from all walks of life. She once told me, "You know what Jae, I can get along with anybody. I don’t care where they come from, and if I could, I would help more people who needed it. I wanna leave something here so they know Cynthia was here. You taught me that!" Special Delivery is a team of ladies who have a real bond like sisters.Cynthia had a strong sense of humor. For example, early on, she use to drive a car that her friends knew wasn’t the best, and Cynthia called it "her hooptie." She was proud and would often say, "At least I’m riding. A lot of people don’t even have something this nice." Then we laughed!
Tomorrow is a mystery, and one day tomorrow won’t come, so today is a good time to confirm that your special friends realize they’re special. The morning of May 29, Cynthia had no idea it would be her last time returning to Fayetteville. The night before and even that morning she said her last goodbyes, gave her last hugs, and ate her last supper, but I know Cynthia felt loved!
It still doesn’t seem fair to speak of her in the past tense, but one thing is certain, Cynthia was the difference in a lot of lives—-her family, co-workers, children at school, and yours.Cynthia remained true to the Special Delivery Creed:
Respect the elders, teach the young, cooperate with the pack, play when you can, hunt when you must, rest in between, share your affection, voice your feelings, and leave your MARK!!!
