Cynthia L. (Rasberry) Long was born November 10, 1938, in Akron, Ohio to the union of Edwin and Gertrude (Humphrey) Rasberry.
Cynthia passed on to her Heavenly home on April 8, 2021, after a short illness, surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren.
Cynthia grew up on Akron’s Southside, graduating from Garfield High School. She attended the University of Akron and eventually went on to earn her nursing degree. Her maternal grandparents were founding members of the Shiloh Baptist Church, where she was baptized and her love of God began; as an adult, Cynthia found her forever church home at The House of the Lord Church. She retired as a Nurse from the VA Medical Center in Brecksville, where she faithfully served America’s veterans with love and compassion.
Cynthia was a gifted artist who loved everything beautiful, vibrant, and colorful! Her favorite pastime was interior decorating and floral arrangements. When she wasn’t decorating, she would knit or crochet beautiful works of art that included blankets, hats, booties, and scarves. Cynthia was also a gifted poet and word “maven”! She was a “Jeopardy Genius” and could solve puzzles with one or sometimes “no” letters on “Wheel of Fortune”! She especially loved the Holidays because it was a time for celebrating family, food, fun, and praising the Lord. Cynthia never met a stranger. She would talk to everyone about God’s goodness and how proud she was of her six children. She also had a soft spot in her heart for children who were in need of food and shelter. If a young person had challenges, she cheerfully and joyfully opened her home and extended a helping hand. She made sure they ate well and slept peacefully while knowing they were safe in her home while under her care.
She was a staunch Democratic supporter, giving of her time and resources to help elect local mayors, judges, and council representatives.
Cynthia was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin Rasberry and Gertrude (Humphrey) Brewer; brother Leon Rasberry and grandson, Christian Alexander Lee.
Cynthia leaves to mourn her passing, children, Tracey Lee (Carolyn), former Councilwoman Tamela Lee, Gary Lee (Lisa), Anthony Johnson (Patricia), Lucille Johnson, Lillian Mitchell (Eric); grandchildren, Patrese Dent (Jessie) Jermaine Johnson, Nichole Strong, Chaneil Peters, Brittany Johnson, Antoine Johnson, Crystal Woods, Israel Johnson, Ryan Peters, Marvin Elmore, Travis Johnson, Cameron Mitchell, Alexis Lee and 20 Great-grandchildren; nephews, Leon Rasberry, Lawrence Rasberry, Edwin Rasberry; nieces, Michelle Raheem, Lenora Lodge, and Kelly Scott; a host of family and friends; special friends, Carolyn Putnam, Dorann Green and Jean Mankamyer, devoted caretaker, Marlo Morales and special mention to Richard Jones, the Sanders and Mitchell families for their diligent prayers and loving support.
Friends may call on Saturday, April 17, 2021, from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon at Sommerville Funeral Services, 1695 Diagonal Rd., Akron, Ohio 44320. Services will immediately follow and will be live-streamed at sommervillefuneralservice.com/live/ Bishop F. Josephus Johnson II, Eulogizing. Interment Glendale Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to 515 Merriman Rd. Akron, Oh 44303.