Cynthia Ann (Farmer) Mcpherson

Cynthia McPherson of Stephenville, TX passed away on March 23, 2021.

Cynthia Ann Farmer was born in Tyler, TX, on October 2, 1954, the middle of three children.  When farming proved to be less than ideal, the family left the farm and eventually moved to Ft. Worth.  The school years passed, and Cynthia met Gary McPherson in high school. They were only acquaintances there. In college, a mutual friend set them up on what they thought was a blind date. They were married less than a year later.  Cynthia and Gary moved around during these early years together, and after several years, she had a son, Caleb, followed by a daughter, Dana.  The family moved several times, including living overseas for a time.  Eventually, they settled in Huntsville, AL until both children were out of college. Then Gary and Cynthia returned home to Texas, living in Stephenville and teaching at Tarleton State University for seven years.

Cynthia was a Christian who always sought what is right, and her steady faith influenced every aspect of her life as a result.

She was given a gift for teaching and a lifelong interest in learning, achieving a Bachelor’s of English from the University of Kentucky, a Master’s of English from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and a Doctorate in Technical Communication from Texas Tech.

At UAH, she taught in the English as a Second Language program.  Using this as a ministry, she demonstrated the light of Christ to her students through her grace and hospitality.  After completing her Master’s degree, Cynthia began teaching Technical and Business Writing and published a Technical Writing text book.

While teaching collegiate classes, Cynthia never overlooked her family.  She supplemented her children’s educations and was involved in PTA programs.  On Sundays, Cynthia taught children at church about the Gospel of Christ, the stories of the Bible, and the stories of great ministers in history.

At home, Cynthia spent time with her family watching old movies, playing Scrabble, solving puzzles, reading mystery novels, cooking, and sewing.  She had a knack for somehow missing the beginnings of all movies and would almost always forget the eggs in cinnamon rolls every Thanksgiving. She sewed a different stuffed dinosaur for each of her children and each of her grandchildren.

Cynthia lived a life worth emulating: Wise, steady, and strong, living in the light of Christ for her husband, children, grandchildren, friends, students, and peers.

She was preceded in death by her father James Franklin Farmer, mother Dorothy Ann Farmer, and brother James Orville Farmer.

She is survived by her husband Gary McPherson, her children Caleb (Lauren) McPherson and Dana Noel, grandchildren Lachlynn Noel, Ewan McPherson, William McPherson, and Elizabeth McPherson, her sister Jean (Randy) Reid, and a niece, three nephews, and a grand-niece and -nephew.

“So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight.  Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.   So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.”  2 Corinthians 5:6-9

In memorial, consider donating to Voice of the Martyrs (https://www.persecution.com/), Samaritan’s Purse (https://www.samaritanspurse.org/), or Arlington Mission Metroplex (https://missionarlington.org/).