Cynthia Gail McKnight Stewart of Bartlett, TN passed away in the early hours of Sunday, November 20. She was 64 years old. She is survived by her sons Matthew McKnight Stewart, (Ashley Elliot Stewart and son Cohen), of Southaven, MS, and Zachary Edward Stewart, (Ashley Noe Stewart), of Counce, TN, her sister, Beverly Diane McKnight of Bartlett, TN, her nephew and his family Andrew Allen McKnight, (Kasey Wyatt McKnight, 6-year-old great-nephew Freeman Howard McKnight and 3-year-old great-niece Brooklyn Boo McKnight), of Lakeland, TN.

A native Memphian, Cindy grew up in east Memphis and graduated from Elliston Baptist Academy. A talented athlete, Cindy played softball, volleyball, and basketball for many years, and her love of sports and athletics drove her to enter then Memphis State University to become a Physical Education teacher. However, along the way Cindy discovered the field of Medical Technology, and she fell in love with the field and pursued what became her lifelong career of 40+ years.

Cindy's family and friends have always been her primary focus, and her two sons, Matt and Zach were her greatest accomplishments. She ensured the kids were active as she had been in sports and was their greatest fan. She was extremely proud and devoted to their well-being and success and was delighted to see them grow into the young men they are today. She loved them dearly and would have done anything for them. Her boys will miss her support, guidance, humor, and common-sense advice that she would so freely give.

Cindy will be greatly missed by her sister, Beverly, who together blended their families and raised the boys along with their cousin, Andrew, in the same home, next door to their parents Mac and Liz McKnight in Bartlett. A gate was quickly constructed between the 2 backyards and there was a constant flow back and forth between the 2 homes. The boys' friends were always welcome, and the home became a regular spot for the kids to hang out with their friends. All were welcome in Cindy's house.

Besides her sister, Cindy maintained a close circle of friends that she had since the 7th grade at Colonial Junior High. Those friends became her "core group" and were cherished by her. She will be greatly missed as there is now an empty chair at the table.

A woman of strong faith, Cindy's family is comforted knowing that as a Christian she is now in heaven surrounded by friends and loved ones and in the presence of our Lord.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 29 at Harmony Church of Bartlett at 6740 St Elmo Rd, Bartlett, TN 38135 at 10:30 a.m. Service to follow at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please place donations to the Union Mission in Memphis, TN, the Mid South Food Bank, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, (NAMI), or any other charity of your choice.