Cynthia D Whitmire

Cynthia Diane Whitmire (née Pullins), affectionately known as Cyn, went home to be with the Lord early Tuesday morning, August 17, 2021, at the age of 67.

Cyn was born on April 27, 1954, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Cherry Stevens (née Bryant) and Laverne Pullins, Sr. Growing up, she attended the public schools of Jacksonville and was known as a happy‑go‑lucky little girl who loved to tell jokes. Always fashion forward, she would step pretty in the marching band (flute) or as part of the dance auxiliary at Williams M. Raines High School, where Cyn graduated in the class of 1972. In her yearbook she stated that her ambition was to be a secretary. But little did she know, God’s plan was for her to be so much more, and He would use her to bless so many people.

In 1976, Cyn married Jerome King in Georgia. They began their family in 1980, welcoming their only child together, daughter Ikeda Jahrie. Though their marriage did not last as they had hoped, as a team they raised their daughter with love. Not giving up on love, she married Johnny Whitmire, a seaman in the Navy in 1991. With welcoming arms and heart, she welcomed two bonus daughters, Avery Whitmire and Toni Rene Whitmire, into the family.

Cyn understood that gaining knowledge would take her far, so she studied hard and obtained her Associate of Arts degree in Computer Data Processing from Charles County Community College; her Bachelor of Science degree in Computer and Information Science from the University of Maryland; and her Masters of Science degree in Management from the Florida Institute of Technology.

Cyn was a servant leader with over 40 years of experience in the public and private sector. She worked in information technology (IT) at notable companies such as Booz-Allen Hamilton, Oracle Corp, and the company from which she retired, Northrop Grumman. During her distinguished career, she also served at several organizations including the U.S. Department of State, the Duval County School Board, Florida Junior College, Jacksonville Urban League, and the Florida Parole and Probation Board, just to name a few. Cyn has always had a passion for helping others. That’s who she was. As a little girl she defended those who were bullied, and as an adult she was an advocate for those in need…she even defended her country. Prior to her career in IT, Cyn joined both the Army Reserve (1975-1979) and the Navy Reserve (1982-1984). Cyn started Jahrie & Associates, a tax consulting firm, that grew every year, due to her vast knowledge and honest practices. In order to give back to the community, she eventually started her own non-profit, Roots of Mankind Corp (ROM). With ROM, Cyn advocated for 1st time homebuyers by providing credit counseling/repair and homebuyers education. She also assisted homeowners by providing foreclosure counseling and prevention. Cyn was the ultimate advocate. She championed prison reform, helping recently released inmates re-enter their communities, and she worked to protect the rights of our elders by volunteering with the Prince George’s County Ombudsman program. She was not only a Gold Star recipient, but she volunteered with them as well, working to comfort and assist spouses of fallen veterans. There isn’t enough room to list all of the wonderful things she did.

Cyn loved the Lord and she studied His Word tirelessly, witnessing and sharing her knowledge of Him to whomever would listen. Along with her aunt, she started a family tele-bible study that spans from Ohio to Florida. She was also an avid member of the group, “Moms in Prayer,” at her church, Fellowship Baptist Church.

Her home was filled with love and was always open to family and friends. She generously gave of her time, experience, and resources and never hesitated to help those in need. She lived a life of service, lifting up others, and though early on she may not have known what God intended for her, she lived her purpose and His perfect plan.

Cyn is survived by her parents, Cherry Stevens, step-father Robert Stevens, father Laverne Pullins, Sr.; father-in-law John Whitmire; children, Ikeda Betts (Isaac), Toni Rene Simon (Travis), and Avery Whitmire; grandchildren Layla Woolridge, Isaiah King, Isaac Betts IV, Hope Betts, Brhee Simon, Braelin Simon, Sylver Simon and Brynn Simon; siblings, Laverne Pullins, Jr. (Harriet), Ronell Pullins (Shantel), Ambrose Stevens (Jackie), Eric Stevens (Sharon), and Renita Buckham; brothers-in-law David Whitmire (Regine), Tony Whitmire (Angela), Orlando Whitmire, Reginald Whitmire (Ecolia), sisters-in-law Claudia McClarrin, Claudette Coleman; uncles and aunts Arcadio Febles, Eugene Febles (Brenda), Virginia Moore (Cecil), Elaine Febles, Corrine Alderman (Roscoe), Joanne Palmer, Gwendolyn McClendon, Alfred Bryant Sr., Minister Lawrence Bryant (Ora), Karl Bryant (Marilyn), Barbara Ann Young (James), Bennet Bryant (Kenitra), Marshall Bryant, Gala James, Denise Brown (Willie), Kenneth Bryant (Jacqueline), Paquina Cameron (Darren), Rosiland Pugh (Carlton); great aunt Bessie Thomas; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Johnny Whitmire, partner William Johnson, and sibling Richard Oliver; uncles Melvin Bryant, Christopher Bryant; and aunt May Frances Lincoln.

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