Obituary

Cynthia Doreen Crenshaw passed away peacefully on March 31, 2020 at the age of 78. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, community leader, entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador, Cynthia was known for her generosity, vibrant spirit, and dedication to helping others. She left a lasting impact on her family, church, community, and on the many lives she touched throughout the world. Cynthia was also known for her elegance and vibrant personality, whose presence lit up every room.

Born in Port Antonio, Jamaica, Cynthia was the daughter of George “Daddy” Gooden Sr and Joyce Rose. She attended Titchfield High School and began her career working in local government with the Port Antonio Parish Council. Faith was central to Cynthia’s life. Raised in the Methodist Church, she served as a chorister, assistant minister, Sunday school teacher, youth group leader, and participated in church drama presentations. In her early years, she demonstrated a wide range of talents. She worked as a newspaper reporter and was also a beauty pageant winner, actress, choreographer, and dancer.  

After marrying Earl Crenshaw of Wake Forest, North Carolina in 1964, Cynthia moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she began building a life deeply connected to community, culture, and service.

She worked at the Curtis Publishing Company and the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Soon after, Cynthia recognized that although African Americans and Caribbean people shared common roots, Caribbean culture had limited visibility in the city. Determined to help bridge that gap, she organized cultural events and in 1970 launched the first Ms Jamaica Pageant in the United States inviting Air Jamaica as a co-sponsor. The success of those efforts led to Air Jamaica establishing a Philadelphia gateway, where Cynthia became Airport Manager, making history as the first Black female airline employee in a managerial position at the Philadelphia International Airport.

During her eighteen years with Air Jamaica, Cynthia worked across many areas of airline operations and later served as Customer Relations Manager for North America. She organized programs within that strengthened communication between Caribbean and United States staff and, in recognition of her contributions, was crowned Miss Air Jamaica. Cynthia later became widely known as a voice for the Caribbean, appearing on numerous radio and television programs discussing travel, culture, etiquette, and the growing interest in travelers visiting the Caribbean.

In 1989, she opened Crenshaw Travel ’n’ Services, a full-service travel agency using the memorable slogan “Can’t Walk There? Call Here?”. The slogan attracted people from all walks of life. Always lending her ear and her talents, it quickly expanded beyond travel services and became a trusted resource and information center for people seeking guidance, entrepreneurial leadership, scholarships, employment opportunities, help with funeral arrangements, estate planning, temporary housing, and even food. Through her work she proudly served thousands of travelers across the United States and around the world, helping connect communities throughout the Caribbean.

Cynthia also expanded her work in international tourism. She collaborated with the Jamaica Tourist Board, the Caribbean Tourism Organization, and served as a delegate to the ASTA World Travel Congress in Italy. She was even invited to fly on the inaugural flight of the British Airways Concorde. She served as an ambassador for Air Afrique, helping promote tourism to Senegal and The Gambia, although Jamaica always remained closest to her heart.

Cynthia believed strongly in using her gifts and talents to help others in any way she could. She said, “I could not understand how some people have so much and yet watch others with so little, dying from hunger and don't try to help. These experiences increase my desire to help others and share my blessings.”

Throughout her life, Cynthia remained deeply engaged in community leadership, cultural initiatives, and service. She was a member of the Jamaica Independence Society, a founding member of the Caribbean Business and Cultural Association, active in the Jamaica Hurricane Relief Effort, and a dedicated campaigner for President Obama, which led to recognition at the White House. She remained involved in civic and community life for decades. Cynthia received many honors including a Mayor’s Citation, recognition in Who’s Who Among Professional Executives, and the Madame C. J. Walker Award, but she believed her greatest reward was her family.

Her contagious smile and loving personality will always be cherished. Many remember her elegant and colorful style, her distinctive half black, half grey chic hairstyle, and the way she carried herself as a true fashionista. She was outspoken, generous, charismatic, and truly full of life. She always had a song to sing in her soprano voice, a meal to prepare, a joke to tell, or advice to give, whether it was asked for or not. She never hesitated to open her home or to help people.

Cynthia served in the Reformation Lutheran Church, where she sang in the gospel and chancel choirs, served as congregational secretary, and supported numerous church ministries. She also shared her love of music serving through the Cedar Park Presbyterian Church Choir.

Cynthia was predeceased by her brother Morais “Roy” Gooden (Edna). She is survived by her sons Earl “Junior” Crenshaw (Donna), Ambrose “Tangy” Crenshaw (Nicole), and Charles “Tony” Crenshaw; her granddaughters Nylah Crenshaw, Alona Blackwood (Davayne), and Elise Crenshaw; her brother Lloyd Holdson (Isabelle); her sister Pauline “Polly” Gooden; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.