Cynthia Jean (Jefferson) Tyler

Cynthia Jean (Jefferson) Tyler peacefully joined our ancestors and her soul took her eternal rest on June 6, 2024 at Angela Hospice in Livonia, Michigan. Cynthia was born to the union of Harderman Morris Jefferson Sr. and Elizabeth (Taylor) Caldwell on January 21, 1948, in Beyer hospital in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She was the oldest of five siblings.  Cynthia attended Ypsilanti Public Schools and is a graduate of the Ypsilanti High School class of 1966. She continued her studies at Cleary College which is now known as Cleary University.

Cynthia was wedded to David Tyler Sr. and from this union came their son David Jr.

She began her work life as an employee in the administrative office of the Ann Arbor, Michigan Chamber of Commerce. She left that job to do the work she loved best, housekeeping. She was a white glove type, extra attentive worker who cleaned homes and offices to near perfection. In the mid 80’s Cynthia moved to Florida with her son Derek and daughter Dawn. While there she proudly helped to care for her grandchildren.

Cynthia moved back to Michigan in 1990. She joined her mother Elizabeth, Step-Father Baby Ruth Caldwell, her brother Rev. Ricky and became a member of Metropolitan Memorial Baptist Church of Ypsilanti. She professed Christ under the leadership Rev. Dr. S L Roberson, Pastor. She truly enjoyed hearing the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the dynamic praise and worship music sung by the choir. Many times, she would be overcome with joy and shout or shed a tear as a response to God’s goodness to her down through the years.

Cynthia has left us with the gift of many memories in our hearts, such as, giving, love, strength and laughter. Though she suffered some in her last days her children, sister, brother, aunts, cousins, and grandchildren were there to engage with her wholeheartedly. Family is everything! Cynthia’s children give a special thank you to her dear sister Pat, niece Ricshel Jefferson, Aunt’s Joyce Jordan and Mary Rice and especially cousin Leslie Greene for stepping in without hesitation on a daily basis to being there in her time of need.

Cynthia was preceded in death by her mother and father, loving step-father Baby Ruth Caldwell, her brother Harderman Jefferson Jr. and one great niece Essence Maxwell.


She leaves to cherish her memory two sons, David (Sheron) Tyler Jr. of Ypsilanti, Derek (Heather) Heiligh, Venice, Florida; one daughter Dawn E. LePlante, Brookville, Florida; Two sisters Patricia Lucas, Ypsilanti; Tina Caldwell, Mt. Pleasant Michigan; one brother Rev. Ricky (Sharon) Jefferson Ypsilanti; 14 grandchildren, 15 Great grandchildren, 3 Great-Great Grandchildren, and a host of special nieces, nephews and cousins.

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