Cynthia Lee Merrifield, age 68 of Smithfield, WV passed away Friday, April 21, 2023 at her residence. She was born September 19, 1954 in Gallipolis, OH, a daughter of the late James Merrifield and Helen Louise Folden Merrifield Bush.
She is survived by her brother Tim and Lynn Bush of Baltimore, OH, and her sister Vicky and Mark Sheets of Bidwell, OH. Cynthia is also survived by her four nephews, Thomas Bush, Bryan Bush, Nicholas Sheets, and Dylan Sheets, her aunt Wanda Newport of Springfield, OH, and several cousins, other family members and friends.
Cynthia was a retired Elementary School teacher in Houston, TX. She enjoyed crafting and bird watching, as well as traveling and learning to play the Hammer Dulcimer. She was a member of the Grace Methodist Church in Gallipolis, OH and she loved her cats.
There will be no funeral home visitation or funeral services. A memorial service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Masters Funeral Home in Mannington, WV has been placed in care of the final arrangements.
Condolences
Cynthia was a beloved teacher and loved her students that she taught in Spring Branch. RIP
I was a friend and fellow hammered dulcimer player with Cynthia. I met her at Sandbridge Beach last year. I was looking forward to traveling to MD with her in July for a gathering. She had such an intense interest in learning to play. She was an inspiration. She sent out beautiful uplifting facebook messages. She will be missed by all her musical friends.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Marion County Senior Citizens.
Cynthia was a friend, my son’s teacher, a colleague. She was a wonderful person, loving, talented, happy, helpful and genuine. She was called Ms Garfield by bee students and many friends. She had so many talents. The one I loved most was her calligraphy which she taught to many willing learners. God Bless you Ms Garfield. May you RIP.
Ms. Merrifield or Ms. Garfield, as many of us knew, her was my elementary teacher. She inspired us to learn and enjoyed doing so. May she rest in power.
Cynthia was always such fun to teach with— she always had a smile and a laugh to share. She will be missed
So sad to hear this news. I taught 4th grade with Cynthia for many years. She was always smiling and kind to everyone she encountered. Her legacy as a teacher has already come full circle and will continue to impact the lives of everyone she knew. How do I know? My new teaching partner is part of that legacy. She was once a student in Ms. Cynthia Merrifield’s 4th grade class. RIP Cynthia, your job was well done!
I just learned of Cynthia’s passing. She was my cousin and a dear friend. I’m so sorry for the family’s loss.
Cynthia was a friend I met at the Sandbridge Hammered Dulcimer Workshop in the spring of 2021. We kept up our friendship and I heard her joy as she renovated her grandmother house and watch her daffodils bloom in the spring. I heard her sorrow as her beloved cat, Suki, passed on. I saw her again the last week in March at another Sandbridge workshop. She accomplished her goal of playing “By The Waters Of Babylon” for us. She was thrilled and so were all of us.
Cindy was my very first teacher when I was in Special education school in Versailles Ohio. I loved her and every thing about her. She thought me many things that made me the man I am today she was a very special friend of my mother. Whish was also a special education teacher. May you rest in peace and I know that you are up there with my mom and Judith.
Cynthia was a great RCE teacher to my son in his younger years and a bright friend in our women’s book club in the neighborhood. My condolences to the family. May you rest in peace Cynthia!