Cynthia Shumate

Cynthia Rich Shumate (Cyndy), 74, died on Friday, February 27, 2026. She was born on December 30, 1951, in Decatur, Alabama, and raised in Pulaski, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Webster Rich, Jr. and Edith Petty Rich, and by her brother, Jesse Webster Rich, III.

Cyndy was a graduate of Giles County High School, where she was active in the Latin Club and the marching band and was recognized as a National Merit Scholar Semi‑Finalist. She went on to attend Vanderbilt University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Classics and English.

Durham, North Carolina was Cyndy’s home for nearly fifty years. She was a devoted member of St. Philips Episcopal Church, where she sang in the choir and served on the Vestry.

A long‑time Duke University employee, Cyndy began her career as a clerk in the Heart Station at Duke University Medical Center. After completing accounting coursework, she advanced steadily into leadership roles, including Assistant Director of the Budget Office and Business Manager for Food Services and the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department. Her final role was Administrative Director of Women’s Services. After leaving Duke to spend more time with her family, she continued serving her church community by working part‑time as the Communications Director at St. Philips Episcopal Church.

Cyndy Shumate was a lifelong student, known for her curiosity, creativity, and love of learning. From the age of four, she was rarely without a book, building a personal library filled with well‑worn pages, underlined passages, and handwritten notes that showed how she engaged and connected with everything she read.

Music was a constant presence in Cyndy’s life. Born into a musical family, she began learning piano from her mother as soon as she could reach the pedals. As she grew older, she joined the band, became an accomplished French hornist, and served as Drum Major. In adulthood, she sang with multiple choral groups and generously passed her love of music on to her children.

Cooking was one of Cyndy’s earliest and greatest passions. Growing up in the kitchen, she developed a love for experimenting with new recipes, eventually turning food into her love language and passing that love on to many of her family members. She delighted in cooking for others and was a gracious hostess whose gatherings were filled with warmth, laughter, and unforgettable meals.

An avid traveler, Cyndy loved exploring new places and cultures, often combining her passions for reading and food through carefully planned trips. Cyndy and her husband, David, traveled to more than 30 countries, often with family and devoted friends. Of all the places she visited, New York City held a special place in her heart as a favorite destination and Broadway haven.

Cyndy lived with generosity, intention, and joy. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Cyndy is survived by her husband of 42 years, David Roy Shumate, Sr. of Durham; son Jesse Rich Shumate and wife Jacqueline and granddaughter Dahlia Cynthia (Dolly) of Morrisville, NC; son William McBride Shumate of Los Angeles, CA; Son David Roy Shumate, Jr. and fiancé Ruba Raza of Durham, NC. She is also survived by her sister Mary Ed Rich Davis and husband Thomas Davis of Montgomery, AL, and devoted niece and nephew, Cynthia Ruth Bailey of Nashville, TN, and Joseph Rich Bailey of Huntsville, AL.

Cyndy’s celebration of life will take place on Friday, March 6th from 6pm to 10pm, at the Durham Hotel Rooftop. Dress code is casual, and food and drinks will be provided.

Cyndy’s funeral will take place on Saturday, March 7th, at 11am at St. Phillips Episcopal Church.