Cynthia Barnett

Biography Cynthia Vivian Lawrence Barnett passed away June 6th, 2015, in Rockledge, Florida, at the age of 89. Cynthia was an amazing woman who lived an even more amazing life. Cynthia was born on August 20th, 1925 in Kettering, England, to Edward James Henry and Olive Maude Lawrence. Cynthia was proud of her English heritage and served as a lookout during World War II. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Lt. Col. William Barnett. Due to her residence being so close to William’s air base, she was able to watch every mission William flew. After crash landing during one of those missions, William returned to base and proposed to Cynthia. She always said it was fate. Cynthia embarked on a grand voyage to reunite with William once he returned to the States. Always proper, but never a push over, she said goodbye to her family and sailed across the ocean on a cargo ship to Canada, boarded a train to Florida and reunited with William in Winter Park. They were married in July of 1945. Cynthia and William eventually settled in Cocoa, Florida, where they raised four children, William Jr. (Alex), Martha, Geoffrey, and Melanie. She spent her time ensuring their house was in order and full of love and laughter. Cynthia had a wonderful sense of humor and never missed an opportunity to laugh. After their children were grown, William and Cynthia retired to Rabun Gap, Georgia, to a plot of land that reminded Cynthia of the English meadows of her youth. Ever the travelers, William and Cynthia spent their retirement crisscrossing the United States visiting their ever growing family, returning on trips to England and attending various bombing squadron functions. After William’s death in 2004, Cynthia eventually returned to Florida, spending the last years of her life in Cocoa Beach. She would often tell the story of how she remembers her first visit to Cocoa Beach in the late 1940’s. It was that first visit that she decided she wanted to live in Cocoa Beach and often said how happy she was to finally fulfill that dream. She had lived a long and full life and would often reflect on the family “dynasty” she and William created. While she missed her English home, at 89 years old, she said she had no regrets. Cynthia is predeceased by her parents, her brother Geoffrey Lawrence, husband William, and their son Alex. She is survived by her children Martha (Edward) Meadows, Geoffrey (Marilyn) Barnett and Melanie (Jon) Miller, 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and several great great grandchildren. The family held a private viewing on June 8th and will hold a Celebration of Life Ceremony in August. Always the animal lover, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Cynthia’s name to the Central Brevard Humane Society (www.crittersavers.com).