First Lady Cynthia Ann Willis was born on September 27, 1955 in Steubenville, Ohio to the late Aaron and Lucinda Hunt Livingston. She gave her life to The Lord at the tender age of thirteen and remained a committed believer.  She was filled with the Holy Ghost later.  In her early years, she sang at Emmanuel Church of God in Christ Choir and different groups under the leadership of Delores Wiggins along with her childhood best friend Delores Tiny Elliott.  What a beautiful angelic voice she had, singing songs like: "Be Still and Know That I Am God", "God Is Able", "Great Is Thy Faithfulness", and so many others. She loved God and Church; therefore, when able she would be in her place serving whether in Steubenville, Columbus, Cincinnati, or Dayton.

She is a product of the Steubenville City School System. After graduation from Steubenville High School (Big Red) she attended The Ohio State University, finished her BS Degree in Early Childhood Education at Franciscan University, and she also completed course work toward her Master's Degree.

She worked in various positions in the Steubenville City School System starting with the JOG'S Program which helped at risk students with life skills and graduation. Eventually, she settled at East Elementary School as a teacher of music, reading, and math. She also worked as a tutor and worked untiringly until last year when sickness prevented her from returning. This hurt as much as the illness because of the love she had for the children and teaching.

In 1980, she met the love of her life Supt James R Willis, Jr, it was love at first site, and they were married on July 25, 1981. The next thirty five years they loved each other until death separated them as the Bible says. This union brought them two children James, Rebecca, and James R Willis, III, whom she leaves behind.

She was preceded in death by her parents, stepmother Muriel Livingston, two sisters Shelly Jett and Fawn Johnson.

She leaves behind five siblings Deborah (Daniel) Coleman, Aaron Jr (Vanessa), Brian (Michelle), Theresa, and Phillip Livingston, Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews, and Friends, especially Ruby and Herbert Kidd.

Thank you Aunt Janet, Uncle Alfred, Cousin Kathy and her sister Debbie, and my church family Bethel COGIC, and all the other prayer partners who stood in faith with us.

Humbly Submitted,

The Willis Family.