Cynthia Joyce West, 91, of Palm Coast, entered the sunset of life on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway, Palm Coast.

Cynthia Joyce Lawrence West, the daughter of Wilfred and Mellyline (Grant) Lawrence, was born on Friday, September 29,1933 in Steer Town, St. Ann, Jamaica.

Cynthia (affectionately known as "Ruga") grew up between Steer Town, St. Ann, and Spanish Town, Jamaica, attending school and working at her family's business. She was a licensed cosmetologist and the owner/operator of a beauty salon in Kingston, Jamaica.

Cynthia married her husband, Gaston Owen West, and together they migrated to the United States in the mid-1960s, seeking better opportunities. First, they embarked upon the city of Toledo, Ohio, and subsequently relocated to Evanston, Illinois where she made a home for her family. She worked for Avon (a cosmetic manufacturing company) in Morton Grove, IL for 29 years in numerous positions. She was a very proud Avon representative.

Cynthia came to her faith in Christ Jesus in the early 1980s, realizing without God she could do nothing, and that she could not live in this world without her Savior. She served her Lord and Savior at Bethany Baptist Church of Christ, Evanston, IL under Dr. William L. Bransford. She served in the following ministries: Inspirational Choir, Deaconess Ministry, Missions, Men & Women's Day Chairperson. She was consistent and worked diligently with each ministry and helped with the church's growth.

She assisted with the Evanston Community Little League Base Teams, cheering them on when they were winning games and cried for days when they lost.

She loved cooking and serving her family and friends in her home. She also enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends near and far, and shopping for unique clothing, so she could "dress to the nines."

Cynthia raised her children to fear God, be well, and respectful to everyone.

After retiring from Avon in 1997, she relocated to Palm Coast, Florida where she was employed by Palm Coast Data for six years. While she was there, she met and joined a prayer band of ladies who helped establish Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Palm Coast. She served in many ministries, including, but not limited to serving as the President of Greeters.

In addition to her parents and former husband, she is preceded in eternal rest by her brothers,  Isaac "Bredda" Ewers, Allen "Pappa" Lawrence; sisters, Evelyn Williams, and Ethel "Aunt Mae" Lawrence.

In October 2023, Cynthia started suffering with recurrent strokes from which she never fully recovered. Christ Jesus permitted the strokes to be the avenue that led her to the heavenly home He prepared for her. On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ called her from her earthly home to her eternal home.

Cynthia is survived by her daughters: Elaine Johnson, Chicago, IL; Pauline P. West, Elizabethtown, KY; sons: Hugh  "Danny" Rainford, Spanish Town, Jamaica; Garfield "Paul" West, Palm Coast, FL; grandchildren: Tanya Johnson, Shaneal Rainford, Kevin Rainford, Garrett St. Owen West, Gia Simone West, Grant Steven West; great-grandson, Kingston Johnson; two brothers: Lloyd "Lucien" Lawrence, Salem, Runaway Bay, St. Ann; Keith "Keithy" Lawrence, Steer Town, St. Ann, Jamaica; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and close friends.