Cynthia (Watson) Johnson, beloved mother and wife, minister, author, teacher, speaker, and friend, was born March 25, 1957 in New Haven — the eldest daughter of the late Essie (Crenshaw) and Herbert Watson Sr. Cynthia lived a life of service — honoring the love of God.
Cynthia humbly described herself as an “encourager.” She was an Exhorted Minister (one who encourages believers to mature in Christ) and licensed in the Church of God (COGIC) — acknowledging her call to the ministry of exhortation in 2005. As a credentialed minister, Cynthia was part of the Minister’s Board at the Promise Land Church in West Haven, where she led and was part of several ministries including the WE (Women Empowered) Ministry, where she mentored women, created a safe place, and delivered advice and counsel. She taught with the Women’s Ministry and co-taught Lay Leadership (II) classes that supported those called to ministry to define their leadership and calling. Cynthia was also on the board of the Steadfast Ministry, which helped Christians to be dedicated in the ways of the Lord, and the Altar Ministry. She often spoke at the Women of Promise Services where she touched the lives of many.
In 2006 she founded ROAR (Reach Out and Restore) a ministry of exhortation for women where she led monthly fellowship meetings and taught spiritual enrichment classes. She taught for over a decade at the Stone Academy (Hamden Campus). However her greatest impact was in the mentorship she provided countless people on the campus as well as from the community where she worked and lived.
Cynthia held a B.S. in Business Management from Albertus Magnus College and received a Certificate in Pastoral Counseling and Training from The St. Francis Academy in 2007. Under the guidance of her pastor, Bishop Kenneth Trawick, she earned a certificate in lay leadership with a focus in Christian Counseling in 2010. In 2011 Cynthia became a licensed minister.
Cynthia made transition after a long battle with the COVID-19 virus on Wednesday, April 7, 2021. She leaves her cherished memory with Harold Johnson, her beloved husband of 32 years; her son, Clifton Watson (Erin); her siblings Michelle Watson, Hebert Watson Jr. (Victoria), Jeanette (James) Lucas, and Renee Watson; stepchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, grand and great grandchildren, and extended family and friends. Her only child — Cynthia’s pride and joy — will keep her memory and legacy alive, as will the many people she touched.
A Walk-Thru visitation will be held on Monday, April 19, 2021from 9:00- 11:00AM at Promised Land Church of God — 240 Burwell Road — West Haven, CT 06516. Celebration of Cynthia’s life and memory will be private. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06511. To leave a message of comfort for the Johnson’s family, please visit www.hkhfuneralservices.com.
Please visit the Promisedland Church of God website for information about the live streaming of the funeral services.