Cynthia Maria Leffall, a beloved educator and civic activist, was born to the union of Reginaldo Trotman and Rosetta (Hall) Trotman on October 27, 1934 in Colon, Panama (Central America). Cynthia went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at the age of 89.

Cynthia received her early education in Colon's Catholic schools, and diligently practiced her Catholic faith. She was dedicated to social justice, and very active in her community. Cynthia enjoyed being with her friends and family. She enjoyed going to the beach with her brothers and sisters, as well as attending dance parties with her friends.

In 1954, Cynthia fell in love and married Robert Louis Stevenson, Sr. Shortly after the birth of their first son, Robert, they moved to the United States and settled in Fresno, California. After many years of marriage, the couple agreed to terminate the marriage. Cynthia later united with Winfred Mandell Leffall, who was a source of cherished companionship. Together they reared six children and embraced the joys and challenges of parenthood with great enthusiasm.

Cynthia was blessed with a close-knit circle of friends, who were a constant source of support throughout her journey. Her devotion to her six children was admirable as she tirelessly dedicated her time and energy to their upbringing.

Cynthia furthered her education in the field of Child Development at Fresno City College and California State University, Fresno. As an educator with the Fresno Unified School District, she impacted the lives of hundreds of students with her loving but stern teaching style.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Cynthia was also an active member of her local community. She served on the Neighborhood Watch committee for Broken Neighborhoods. She also supported causes for civil rights, environmental protection, and community development. Her favorite charitable organization was the Boys and Girls Club. As a responsible parent, Cynthia was involved with the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at her children's local schools. In the early 2000's, Cynthia received an award for civic activism from assemblyman Juan Arambula.

Upon retiring from Fresno Unified School District, Cynthia pursued other activities to enhance her livelihood. She enjoyed traveling as well as hosting relatives from other parts of the world. Cynthia was an accomplished chef and she also enjoyed gardening and reading in her spare time. Volunteering in her local parish for various fundraising activities always gave Cynthia joy. She had a love for dancing, which was her outlet for self-expression as her social calendar was always full! Lastly, as a retired educator, she would often assist her daughter, Claudette, with grading papers for her classroom.

In light of her Church involvement, Cynthia distributed Christian literature to her community in an effort to spread the word of God. She was committed to supporting others and always had a listening ear and offered a helping hand to those in need.

As we come together to say our final goodbyes, we reflect upon the memories we hold dear, the laughter shared, and the lessons learned in the presence of a remarkable woman. Cynthia's strength, resilience, and abounding love will forever remain etched in our hearts and serve as an example for all who knew her.

Cynthia was preceded in death by her parents, Reginaldo and Rosetta, husbands, Robert L. Stevenson Sr., and Winfred Leffall, sons Eli, Gleaster, and infant sons, Lawrence and Lorenzo; oldest siblings Marjorie, Reginald, Gleaster, Anita, and Paul.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her loving children, Robert L. Stevenson Jr. (Carolyn), Claudette M. Leffall, both of Fresno, Chaplain Yvette A. Leffall-Aliu of Sacramento, CA, and Sheila L. Leffall of Vallejo, CA; nine grandchildren, Camille Wilson (Kevin), Robert L. Stevenson, III, Dion Stevenson Sr. , all of Fresno, Sheron Tabois (Marius) of Vallejo, CA, Gregory C. Brown of Los Angeles, CA, Matthew D. Brown of Fresno, CA, Leah Byrd of Sacramento, CA, Jasmine Stevenson and Ashley Stevenson, both of Fresno; thirteen great-grandchildren, Kevin, Kamari, Najae, Melody, Mason,Trenton, Madison, Dion, Jovan, Harmony, Kodi, Elroi, and Demarion, her brother, Hugo Trotman and one special niece, who would gently and diligently care for mom in her final days, Carla Gholston of Fresno, CA. A special thanks to her doctor/spiritual mentee, Dr. Jose Bautista, the awesome hospice team of St. Agnes and Serena from Right at Home.

Cynthia will be greatly missed by all of us, but we know that she is basking in the presence of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Remember, to be absent in body is to be present with the Lord (2 Cor 5:8). This is our hope and comfort; we will see her again in eternity.