Cynthia Y. Harold

Cynthia Yvette Gunnings Harold was born on June 26, 1950 in Winston Salem, North Carolina to James Davis and Mary Elizabeth Gunnings. On September 18, 2025, after an anointed life as a devoted wife, mother, counselor, and servant of God, our Queen was given a new crown – worshipping her Lord and Savior with her beautiful voice, forever. 

Cynthia’s life was centered on reflecting the love of God and He blessed her, in turn, with a queendom that was a source of good counsel for many. One of Ma’s favorite Bible stories was that of Queen Esther: “And the king loved Esther more than all ... and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all ... so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her Queen ...” - Esther 2:17. Ma loved that Esther used her God-given talents to earn her position then used strategy to protect her family and people. 

The relationship between the 2 queens, Esther and Cynthia, becomes clearer when you look more closely at Cynthia’s wonderful life. Cynthia, lovingly called Ma, Cynt, Plunk, Momma Bird, and Honeydrip, like any good queen, took care of her family:

She was a sister and the last living sibling of 5: Helen, Ernest, Wanda, Jerome, and Corinthia. Ma often remarked that her childhood home “had a smile on it” - their love for each other bound them in welcoming kindness and the signature Gunnings sense of humor (aka sarcasm). 

She was a mother who raised children who are hard-working, attended top universities, manage businesses, build with their hands, and, most importantly, serve God. She never judged her children, always listened to them intently, and laughed with them joyfully. Strong men call her mother: her baby boy, Jamaar (Beryl), Maurice Jr., Tony, Troy, and her grandson, Terelle. Leading women call her mother: Melanie (Ron), and LeKeysha. She also quietly took on raising her late niece and nephew – Shelise and Trevis, after her sister, Corinthia, passed. 

She was a caring and generous grandmother, aunt, and friend. She is survived by her grandchildren: Ashley, Diamond, Corinthia, Jenah, Kelaiah, Tyonna, Jerod, Darrin, Byron, Tevin, De’quan, Dante and great grandchildren. Carrying her legacy are her nieces and nephews: Vickie, Jackie, Kim, Melinda, Tonya, Trina, Keshia, Keba, Walter Jr., Delano, Charles, and Carl. At the heart of her queendom was friendship; she was loyal, forgiving, and generous with her host of friends and family, more numerous than the feathers of an angel. 

A queen serves the Lord: Cynthia served at the historic Morning Star Baptist Church where she led the Missionary, soloed mellifluously in the Celestial Choir, helped to lead the Youth department, was a member of the Seniors Ministry, and was a founding member of the Education Committee. Her connection to God was evident; she was known to tear up every time she prayed and she forgave others quickly, time and time again.

A queen loves education: Honeydrip went to school at Simon G. Atkins High School, attended Winston-Salem State University, and graduated from Norfolk State University with a Master’s degree in Guidance Counseling in 2000, while working full time. She was an amazing writer both in prose and academia - and encouraged others to learn continuously. 

A queen serves others: Cynthia served her community for 26 years as a Substance Abuse Counselor for the City of Virginia Beach, where former clients were known to come up to her and testify about the children they had and lives they built after their treatment with her. 

A queen loves her king: Cynt met her husband, Maurice C. Harold Sr., while on a date…with someone else. As the story goes, struck by her beauty and confident demeanor, he stole her from her date then stole her heart, and she became a central part of the extended Harold family of Virginia Beach. The pair raised their children together with consistency, structure, built a beautiful home with its own smile, and would have been married for 50 years in January 2026. 

A good queen is beloved by all: Like Queen Esther, Momma Bird always went after what she wanted and instilled in her kids that family is everything. It has been an honor to be blessed with such a beautiful and loving mother - a true queen. Only Jesus could love her more than we do. We thank God that Ma was able to look over her earthly realm and know that she had served her people well. Now that she has given up her earthly crown, she will feel no pain, only joy everlasting as she assumes her proper place praising God at the foot of His heavenly throne.

Local arrangements provided by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC. Further funeral arrangements will be announced by Beach Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. , 4456 Bonney Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.

https://www.beachfuneralandcremationservices.com/obituary/Cynthia-Harold

Please keep the family of Cynthia Yvette Gunnings Harold in your thoughts and prayers.