Cynthia Primes-Heard (Lansing)

Mother Cynthia Evelyn Primes-Heard departed this life peacefully Sunday, August 23, 2020 at her residence in Lansing, Michigan. Age 73 years. She was born October 28, 1946 in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of James and Evelyn Primes.

She graduated from Buchtel High School of Akron, Ohio in 1965. She had a love for music, and it showed in her early years and throughout the rest of her life. She also had a love for muscle cars. As soon as she graduated, she bought herself a brand-new blue Oldsmobile 4-4-2 and taught herself how to drive a stick shift. Cynthia married Elder Kirtis Heard in 1968 and had four children. They were married for 26 years before his untimely passing. They moved to Lansing, Michigan in 1968. She and her husband placed their membership with Christ Temple Church. She served the rest of her faithful years as Choir Director and Member, Sunday School Teacher, Evangelist, and Church Health Care Professional. She was under the leadership of District Elder Jon Slaughter. She stayed devoted to her Lord and Savior and continued to shine her light on all she encountered.

Cynthia graduated from Michigan State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1985 becoming a bachelor prepared registered nurse. She took a job with the State of Michigan in 1988 where she devoted 32 plus years. The last several years, considerately reviewing requests for the many children with special needs receiving Private Duty Nursing services and spreading her cheer to so many of her colleagues even while working from home.

Cynthia devoted her life to God, her children, and grandchildren. She was a mentor and role model. She loved her family unconditionally and praised them for their accomplishments, however major or minor they may have been. She always encouraged them to stay prayerful in all things. She was very engaged in their education and served on the board of education of the schools that each one attended, such as Small Folks Development Center and New City Academy.

Cynthia enjoyed traveling throughout her life and wanted her children and grandchildren to see many new opportunities in the world. Her most recent traveling adventure was taking a trip to New York City. Where she had the chance to feast her eyes on her grandson, LaVonté, who performed at Carnegie Hall. She was so proud and made it a point to attend this once in a lifetime experience. She loved exploring the city and visiting with relatives while in New York and was looking forward to visiting the city again.

She was a life member of the Michigan State University Alumni Association and a member of the Lansing Urban League. She was also a member of the Northern District Council 5th Episcopal District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. serving as secretary for the State Ministers’ Wives and Ministers’ Widows Auxiliary. Finally, she was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Tau Omega Chapter and Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.

She leaves to celebrate her life, son, Kirtis C. J. (Jamie) Heard; daughter, Kirstin C. Heard; four grandchildren, LaVonté L. (Whitney) Heard, TréShawn L. Hursey, D’Quan L. Hursey, and Anthony C. Cooper Jr.; three great-grandchildren, JaMeir L. Hursey, Anthony C. Cooper III, and Karter Brown; three Goddaughters; Makeesha Sansbury, Sunaturial Love Seay, and Sharice Aimery.; three special sons, Phillip Morrell, Jr., James Kindall, and J.C. Belk; special sisters, Dr. Leola Taylor, Evangelist Pearlie Johnson, Sister Marvella Jones, Sister Adah Roberts; and many other relatives, saints, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Evelyn Primes; her sons, Kirtis Lee Heard II and Kirtis Henry Heard; and great-grandson Kirtis Timothy Judah Heard.

God in his infinite wisdom has chosen to call our dear mother home. She was always thoughtful and generous. We shall miss her soft-spoken voice, smile that was a ray of sunshine, hugs, encouraging words, her singing, and her joyful spirit. We rejoice that she has finished her course, kept the faith, and has received her crown of life! Job Well Done!