Cynthia Louester Bannister was born May 18, 1946 in Parkersburg, West Virginia. She departed this earthly life January 13, 2021 at her home in Louisa, Virginia. Cynthia was the youngest child of the late Lillian Reynolds Bannister and William "Frank" Bannister.

Cynthia was educated in the public schools of Fayette County, West Virginia. She was a graduate of Gauley Bridge High School where she was involved in student activities, including the concert and marching band where she proudly played the drums. After her graduation she enlisted in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of Sergeant, at a time when it was exceedingly difficult for a Black woman to serve in the military.

After her Honorable Discharge from the Air Force, she settled in Louisa VA, the source of one set of her roots, her father. She worked at a variety of jobs in the various plants in the Louisa area. After her parents retired to Louisa, she was their primary caregiver and was always available to them and other family members in the area.

Although Cynthia did not attend church services on a regular basis, she did profess her love for Jesus Christ. Cynthia was an avid reader and a great television watcher of old movies and shows and if possible, she did not miss watching "The View" each day. Her love of politics, what was happening in the world and her love of West Virginia was evident in daily conversations.

Cynthia was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Arden Bannister, a nephew, Marshall Bannister, and a niece Artena Bannister Miller.

She leaves to cherish her memory; her brother, S. Mark Bannister and his wife Patricia of Vienna, WV, sister in law, Carolyn (Sonny) Mendes of Belpre, OH, aunts Mrs. Inez Thurston of Louisa, VA and Mrs. Geneva Hall of Ft. Washington, MD, a special cousin, Lois Daniels of Woodbridge, VA, nieces and nephews, S. Mark (Vivian) Bannister of Conyers GA, Melissa Bannister Traugh of Vienna, WV, Timothy (Tonya) Bannister and Tara Bannister of Belpre, Ohio, a  special friend who she thought of as a sister, Nancy (Steven) Foster of Columbia, SC and devoted friends Jane and Sylvester Courtney of Louisa, VA.  She also leaves several great nieces and nephews and many cousins who will miss her smile and love.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, memorial services will be held privately  at a later date and time.