Cynthia Crain Labban

She was born in Greenville, S.C. on September 29, 1949 to Bill W. and Virginia S. Crain and lived there until 1989 when she and her family moved to Columbia.

She showered constant love and devotion on her husband, George E. (Ged) Labban; her children and their families, Courtney (Eric) Blanton, Jeffrey (Allyson) Labban, and Caroline (Tim) Mittmann; and her sister, Susan (Archie) Felder. She reveled in the joy of being Mimi to her grandchildren, Grace Ross, Mason Mittmann, Harper, and Zelda Labban, and EJ Blanton. Never did a day pass when she didn’t call each member of her family. She said, “I just want them to know every day how much I love them.” Close to her heart were her nephews, Alex (Meredith) and Clark Felder, Aunt Joan Smith, as well as her “grandnieces”, Claire, Julia, and Nora Felder. One other, a man she called her “son from another mother”, Artis Love, she gathered under her maternal umbrella. It meant so much that he was part of her life. Along with her parents, Cindi was predeceased by her son-in-law, Jake Ross, whom she adored.

For 32 years, Cindi was an elementary and junior high school teacher in Greenville and Richland counties. She was absolutely devoted to, and loved, her students. What a joy it was for her each time she would meet former students who greeted her excitedly with a hug and declaration of their fond memories in her classroom. Incredibly, she always remembered each of them and could recount something personal about them.

Then there was her church family. Cindi was always so excited to be involved in every event, be it Sunday worship, Women’s Focus, Circle, Lunch Bunch, and so many others. She was so grateful for all the programs available throughout NEPC’s Women’s Ministry and especially grateful for the program leaders and her sisters in Christ. There were so many close friendships that meant so much to her. Her church family brought her more than happiness. They brought true joy! She said once, “I think Jesus often shows us He’s here and walks with us through our friends at church.”

Cindi was a person who knew how to love in any and all circumstances. That was the theme of her life. She held to the strong notion that if Jesus could love us enough to do what He did for us, certainly we could love others. Being together and laughing with the people she loved were her cherished moments.

A celebration of Cindi’s life will be held at 2:00 on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Northeast Presbyterian Church, with burial in the church memorial garden. The family will greet friends at the church one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Northeast Presbyterian Church, 601 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223, with designation to Women’s Ministry, would be most appreciated.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Northeast Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.