WILMINGTON — Cynthia ‘Cindy’ Garnet Wade, 68, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away on March 1st 2026.
She was born on July 13, 1957 in Lansing, Michigan. Her parents were Ernest and Laura Keener. Growing up on Turner Street, she had three brothers who she kept in line: Kirk, Thomas, and Ted.
She cared deeply for, supported and always stood with her husband Rev. David C. Wade throughout their many years together while he ministered to so many. She was a patient, caring and dependable mother to Zeb, Jesse, Malachi and Rebekah. She was a proud grandmother to Jalen Wilson and Aloni Wade. And even prouder great grandmother to Ocean, Janae, and Silas Wilson. Her extended family included many loved cousins, nieces, nephews and family of all kinds from all over North Carolina and Michigan.
Being born and raised in Michigan where she spent her time listening to records, driving around in the snow and making sure that her brothers, particularly her youngest brother Ted, were kept in line. Cindy made a decision following her high school graduation, which in this writer’s humble opinion was the best decision she made in her young life, about where she wanted to attend college. She chose Brevard College in North Carolina to continue her academic career and moved southward (where she would remain for the rest of her life).
It was while she attended Brevard that she met the loud, loving and caring; David C Wade. After being serenaded across the campus, being taken out to dinners (where she might have paid more often) and letting him ‘borrow’ school supplies; the two began dating. Cindy made a choice to support and follow David’s passion into the ministry. She followed him from one academic institution to the next, eventually marrying on August 5, 1978 and joining him as David became a pastor for many communities which they both loved and cherished their time with. She was his second in command when it came to problems and she did it with a smile and gentle teasing (which he gave back) along the way.
Eventually they started to expand their family and that’s when Mom really shined. She was always present, crafty (so crafty – just so many), she loved to listen, she loved video games (Banjo Kazooie was a favorite because she wanted to ‘help’ us get through the level, she loved country music and being there for us kids). She attended performances, picked up late from rehearsals or practices and was always there. No matter what the situation or what was happening, she supported David, her kids, and her grandkids as we all grew up.
As David went on medical leave and eventually retired from active ministry, she still supported him throughout his own battles with health issues even while he continued to try his best to support anyone who needed him. They were truly a partner pair and losing David in 2025 impacted her greatly. She missed his voice, his presence, and his support in the year since his passing.
She is survived by her children Zeb, Malachi, and Rebekah; grandchildren, Jalen and Aloni; great grandchildren, Ocean, Janae, and Silas; and her brother, Kirk and his family. And her nieces, nephews and extended family.
Cindy chose to be cremated and a Committal Service will be held at some point in the coming months at Bethel Memorial Cemetery, 1401 Bethel Methodist Church Road, Burlington NC 27217.
