Cynthia A. Payne

Cynthia A. Payne (Herbert) was born on June 16, 1963, to Edith Dade and Craig Dillard, Cynthia was the third of four children raised in a warm, loving family.

Cynthia graduated from Perry Traditional Academy in 1981 and went on to pursue her passion for the culinary arts, graduating from the Culinary Institute of Pittsburgh. She dedicated much of her career to the food service industry, excelling as a line cook, sous-chef, and food service department manager, where she was admired for her talent, leadership, and dedication.

Later, Cynthia embraced a new calling in caregiving. She earned her Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate from the Community College of Allegheny County and brought compassion and professionalism to her work at Kane Scott Center Nursing Home until her retirement in June 2023. A devoted Christian with a profound spiritual connection to God, Cynthia was small but fierce, coming with a lot of bang. She was a nurturer and a fixer who cared deeply for those around her.

Cynthia married Curtis Herbert on April 28,2008. They shared a one-of-a-kind relationship that spanned many moons before they were married.  It was hard to see one without the other, Cynthia conquered many fears with Curtis by her side; creating many memories that cannot be forgotten. She found joy in catering events with her company, Cyn's Cafe, LLC. She enjoyed outings with family and friends, including bowling, movies, and concerts. She was the life of the party. A late bloomer on traveling, Cynthia enjoyed seeing new places and experiencing life outside of Pittsburgh, PA.

She was predeceased by her parents, mother-in-law Mary Herbert, and sisters, MaryJane Butler and Kendall Pratt.

She will be remembered for her kindness, strong work ethic, and unwavering love for her family. She leaves behind cherished memories to reside in her husband Curtis Herbert, daughter Chanel Smith and husband Robert Smith, granddaughter Kyah Turner and fiancé Calvin Ely, Goddaughters Ashlee Johnson and Chardaya Harper, brother Dewayne Dade and wife Renita Dade, stepdaughter Teara Herbert, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Cynthia will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

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