Cynthia M. Shaw

Cynthia Marie Shaw, lovingly known as “Tospie” by many back homes in North Carolina, was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to late May Margaret Shaw and Willie Shaw. Later in life, she moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where she built a life centered around family, community, and caring for others. Cynthia departed this life at her home on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, after facing many ongoing health struggles over the years. Cynthia has one brother, Willie Shaw, who preceded her in death. Cynthia was the proud mother of her only daughter, Britani Simmons. Age 32. She leaves behind her two beloved grandsons Tristan Simmons, age 17, and Roman Marchan, age 12. Her family meant everything to her, and she loved talking about her daughter and grandsons to anybody who would listen. Tristan held a special place in her heart because Cynthia helped raise him from a very young age and loved him deeply. From the age 16. Cynthia learned how to survive on her own, and that strength stayed with her throughout her life. She dedicated most of her years to caring for the people around her. Whether it was family, friends, neighbors, or anyone simply in need, Cynthia would feed anybody and always had a room for someone at her table. Her home became a place where many people felt welcome and cared for Everybody loved Cynthia’s cooking, especially her famous potato salad, black-eyes peas, and sweet potato pies, dishes that brought people together and will always remind many people of her. Anyone who knew Cynthia knew what she loved. She was outspoken, funny, never shy about discussing her health problems with anyone willing to listen. Even later in life, when getting around became harder for her she could still always find somebody to make a store run for her. That was just Cynthia. Cynthia will be remembered for her strength, generosity, humor, and her giving to the people around her She leaves behind 1 daughter, Britani Simmons, 2 grandsons, Tristin Simmons and Romane Marchan, sisters Susie Mae-Powell, Audray Council, brother William Earl Lawrencee, step-sister, Dinah Shaw, step-brother, Michael Dixon, cousins Tina Stokes, Gloria Jean, Rev. Lorrain Horn and Rosa Pippen, Deborah James and Darrel Simmons (Britani’s Father) and a host of family, friends, neighbors, and many others whose lives she touched Throughout the years. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

Tributes

Cynthia M. Shaw

January 28, 1961 - April 29, 2026