Cynthia Louise Bullock

Cynthia Louise Bullock of Benton, Arkansas passed away on February 10, 2024. She was born December 11, 1965 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jackie Bullock and Ella Mae Simmons-Bullock; her paternal grandparents, Bennie and Virgie Burlison-Bullock; her maternal grandparents, Wiley and Addie Mae Heritage-Simmons; and one brother, Jimmy Curtis Bullock. 

Cindy was blessed with one amazing daughter, Meagan. Meagan and her husband, Noel Kurtz of Benton, Arkansas gave her the joy of her life: two granddaughters, Ella Grace and Addie Lynn. She had one nephew, Nathen Bullock, whom she raised like he was her own son. He and his fiancé, Mallory Shackelford, also live in Benton. Cindy has two sisters, Jaclyn Bullock of Northwest Arkansas and Sherry Yarbrough of Hot Springs and one brother-in-law, Jimmy Yarbrough of Hot Springs, all of whom had a special place in her heart. 

Anyone who knew her, knew she never wanted to be called “Cynthia,” only “Cindy” would do. She grew up in the small town of Humphrey, Arkansas and graduated from Humphrey High School. She had a small group of classmates whom she loved and many of whom she stayed in touch with through life. She was raised with a large extended family with lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Cindy was very hardworking; she always had 2 or 3 jobs. She began working young with babysitting and waitressing at the town café. While attending high school, she worked at the local Pizza Hut and at GTE as a telephone switchboard operator (Some of you may have to look that one up). She then went to work for Texaco as a clerk, where she quickly became manager. Cindy got a degree in Coding from Garland County Community College in Hot Springs, moved to Benton, and began her career with Saline Memorial Hospital as a medical coder. While many times working two jobs and being a single mother, Cindy decided to go back to college – she had fond memories of doing homework together with Meagan in the evenings. After receiving her degree from John Brown University she was promoted to Director of Medical Records with Saline Memorial Hospital. She served there faithfully for 27 years until she ‘retired’. Retirement for Cindy meant working remotely for the Counseling Clinic in Benton being full-time grandmother (CiCi) to her granddaughters, Ella Grace & Addie Lynn. She was so excited to be CiCi - that was her favorite job of all. She loved playing with the girls and having adventures with them. 

Cindy had so many friends throughout her life. She adored them all and they her - Her “cult following” is the best way to describe these relationships. She was who you called about anything - whether you needed a helping hand, advice, or just a shoulder to cry on. Cindy’s words were always practical and cautious; she could help mend a broken heart, supply courage, or rejoice with you. You dare not ask her opinion unless you wanted the good, bad, & the ugly about the situation, because that was what you got. With her calming and soothing spirit, sometimes you were even told you were simply being ridiculous! Any advice always started with, “here’s the thing…” 

Cindy loved to read - Her love of reading began while young and stemmed from the collection of Laura Ingalls Wilder books, “Little House on the Prairie” that was available in her small school library. Recently, her reading always included 2-3 books on the agenda or simultaneous reads in rotation. Cindy also loved family trips: Branson at Christmas time, summer trips to the beach, and of course, Disney World. She was always focused on having fun, even in doing chores and she didn’t dwell on the past. She enjoyed good laughs and enjoyed sharing funny things in every situation. 

Cindy had a true “servants heart.” She was very active at her church, New Life Church Saline County, where she served in many areas including the children’s services and helped to lead the Hospitality group. She loved her church family. Over the years, she served on so many community service events, it would be hard to name them all. She was an animal lover with a special place in her heart for dogs. She helped with numerous rescue organizations as a foster mom and helped find forever homes for countless dogs. Her own fur-children includes Darla, Henry, Phoebe, Belle, and Daphne. Her fur grand-dogs include Annie, Snickers, Chili, and Bruce. She adored them and spoiled them all. She gave and gave of herself to all she encountered, no matter her personal hardships. With a gentle smile and a strong sense of calm about all things, Cindy made you feel so special – she made you see you could do anything with hard work and determination. She left her mark on this world with a gentle nature, full of grace, integrity, and love. She could find the positive in the worst of any situation and find sunshine when we didn’t think there was any. 

Cindy was a quiet and determined achiever that made life look easy. She packed so much love into her life and was always armed with the love of Jesus. She passed that love on to family and friends effortlessly. If she were here, she’d be trying to comfort us now. She was the best mother, grandmother, sister, and friend this world has seen. All people die but not all people live. Cindy lived. She would want all of us to examine our own lives and make the most of them; to make worthy every minute we have left. She left an incredible mark on all that knew her. Our hearts are broken that we have lost her too early. She will be missed but will live on in all of us.

A visitation for Cindy to honor a life well lived will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, February 16, 2024 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., followed by a memorial service at 3:00 PM. Cindy will be laid to rest at a later date at the family cemetery in Humphrey, Arkansas.