Obituary of Cynthia Wright

Cynthia Wright was born in the loving arms of Rachel Bridges Wright and George Wright Senior on August 9, 1951. She was educated in the Philadelphia School System, receiving her High School Diploma from Germantown High School. After graduation, she attended Cheyney University where she received a bachelor’s degree in biology. She later attended Atlanta University and with her love and passion for animals, she transferred to Tuskegee University where she received a Master’s Degree in Animal Science. Cynthia has worked since she was a teenager. She obtained her working papers at the age of 16 and began working as a Mother’s Helper. She held many jobs throughout her lifetime, including working as a Substitute Teacher.  She was employed by Glaxo Smith Klein as a Medical Writer until her health started to fail. Cynthia had many interests and talents. As an accomplished musician, she played the folk guitar and began writing songs in her later years. She played the clarinet and basson in the band/orchestra from elementary school through college and was a member of the Cheyney University Marching Band. We spent many hours playing together with friends and played a short stint with a professional group. Cynthia pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority and remained an active member throughout her life. She was an active member of the Cheyney and Tuskegee Alumni Associations. She was especially concerned about the students who had financial difficulties and would oftentimes involve herself in fundraising activities. She was a lifetime member of the NAACP and the Philadelphia Zoo. She received an award from the Three Chaplains for her philanthropy. A generous supporter of animal shelters and the SPCA, Cynthia always found time to feed and shelter stray animals. She loved dogs and cats and had many cats over the years, many who were rescued from the streets of Philadelphia, Atlanta and Tuskegee.  When she found orphaned kitties, she would not stop until she found homes for them. She was easily recognized by her Car License Plate (LadyCat) and the many Cat pins that she wore.   Cynthia faithfully attended the Mt. Airy Fellowship Church for over twenty years, and would spend countless hours visiting the nursing home residents. She loved the Lord, and it was evident in everything she did. After moving to Delaware, she worshipped at Faith Harvest Worship Center. As our parents grew older, and our father became disabled, she was there for them. Although dealing with her own illness, she still made time to help them by shopping for them, taking them to doctor’s appointments, providing emotional support and tending to the needs of their cat, Jazzman. Cynthia adopted Jazzman upon our father’s death. She enjoyed sewing, having learned on our paternal grandmother’s antique foot pedal operated sewing machine. She loved singing and was blessed with a beautiful voice. She could captivate her audience with renditions of Lou Rawls and Gloria Lynn recordings. I fondly remember taking Cynthia out for her birthday to a restaurant that had live music. I left the table only to come back and find Cynthia singing St. James Infirmary standing in front of the musicians. She touched many lives, both young and old, from many walks of life. They all have fond memories of their friendship with Cynthia. She had a loving spirit which guided her to mentor her nieces, nephews and other children on planning their future and attending college. She spent time with them and would frequently take them to collegiate functions at Cheyney, the playground, the zoo, and the annual Philadelphia Thrill show. But she spent the most amount of time just being a good aunt. Cynthia was preceded in death by her parents and her niece, Sonya Newton. She leaves to mourn her passing, yet celebrate her life, her sister Joyce Habtemichael, and two brothers Milton Newton and George Wright, Jr, one uncle, Raymond Hackney and a host of nieces, nephews and beloved cousins. I am honored to say my sister has left a legacy of love for family and friends, love for God, and devotion to others as she tried to live as God commanded Sleep well dear Sister and take your rest. I will miss you dearly, but God knows best.