Dr. Cynthia Wilson Johnston

“Cindy”

You’re reading this because someone in your life cared enough to teach you the intricacies of the alphabet and the absurdities of English spelling. For many adults in Charlotte in the 1980s, Cindy was that person. Her passion for education started early in her career with her dedication to CPCC’s adult literacy (ABLE) program, but extended throughout her life as she touched many of the programs at CPCC, and ultimately became Dean of the Central Campus.

Cindy died on April 15 at home in Charlotte.

She was born in Oxford, N.C., on November 1, 1952, and grew up in Burlington, alongside her sister, Bonnie. She graduated from Walter M. Williams High School in 1971 and from UNCC’s English department in 1975. She earned a masters degree in education from UNCC in 1978 and a doctoral degree in education administration from Clemson in 1996.

A pioneer in combining technology with literacy training, Cindy was an early adopter of using computers to teach. The U.S. Department of Education cited her program as one of the best in the nation. At CPCC Cindy developed welfare-to-work programs and was responsible for the Pathways to Employment program, which provides short-term training and support for people seeking job skills and employment. In 1992, she was nominated for the President’s annual Point of Light Award.

In the late 70s, she found in Kirk Johnston a partner to share her sense of fun and love of adventure. The two were married in December of 1984. She embraced Kirk’s family, and demonstrated to her stepdaughter a new model for the Southern woman -- one who was ever-gracious, while exuding confidence and a commitment to positively impacting the world.

An active community volunteer, Cindy was a member of The Junior League and served on the Work Force Development Board, the Board of the Uptown Men’s Shelter, and the Board of Smart Start. In 1998, the Charlotte Rotary named her the Distinguished Rotarian of the year for her contributions to adult literacy.

Cindy remained close to her sister, Bonnie, sharing daily phone calls, a love of shopping, pedicures and annual trips to the beach. Among her closest friends are those she met in Junior high school and on the first day of college. With every new adventure, she added to her circle, and was the life of the party in the Hendersonville community where Kirk and Cindy spent time after retirement.

Cindy epitomized the adage, “It’s not the impression you make, it’s the impression you leave.” She was a remarkably beautiful woman who was highly intelligent and extremely loyal. Her 1,000-watt smile could light up a boardroom, a family dinner or a water aerobics class. She loved a good book, a good meal and a glass of wine.

She is survived by her husband, Kirk Johnston of Charlotte; her mother and stepfather, Beth and Buddy Murray of Raleigh; her sister and family, Bonnie, Tim and Joseph Stewart of Matthews; her stepdaughter and family, Robin Johnston, Van, Ben and Jessie Wilson of Charlotte; her sister-in law, Rebekah Baker of Charlotte, and her stepmother, Ellen Wilson of Burlington. She is preceded in death by her father, Ed Wilson of Burlington.

Services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 21, at Myers Park Baptist Church, 1900 Queens Road, Charlotte. Relatives and friends are welcome at the service and the reception immediately following.

Contributions in Cindy’s memory can be made to DonorsChoose.org.