Cynthia Renee Bradley was born on December 10, 1961, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Dorothy Mae Bradley and Johnny Buckner. She was raised on the West Side of Chicago, where she also attended school.

Cynthia was the eldest of her siblings. She shared a special family bond with her brothers, Dwayne Bradley and Maurice Sampson, and her twin sisters on her father’s side, Arlene Buckner and Darlene Buckner. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and Johnny; her brother, Dwayne; and her sister, Arlene.

Throughout her life, Cynthia held many different jobs, but her final and perhaps most meaningful role was caring for children as an in-home daycare provider. She opened her home and heart to the children entrusted to her care, giving them a safe and loving place to learn, play, and grow.

Affectionately known as “Cynt,” Cynthia was loving, fun, funny, and truly the life of the party. She had no filter, never hesitated to speak her mind, and didn’t take any mess from anybody. Her bold personality, quick wit, infectious smile, and unforgettable sense of humor ensured there was never a dull moment when she was around.

Cynthia loved listening to the blues, old-school dusties, and anything by R. Kelly. She enjoyed hosting card games at her home, visiting the casino, completing puzzles and word searches, and watching shows about renovating houses. She also loved watching crime stories on YouTube and trying to solve the cases herself.

As a child and young adult, Cynthia attended Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church. The values and connections formed during those years remained part of the foundation of her life.

Cynthia was the proud and devoted mother of five children: Angela Shaw (Robert), Nicole Bradley (James), Michelle Bradley (Tre), Michael Bradley, and Dwayne Bradley. Her children were at the center of her world,
and that love grew even greater with the arrival of her grandchildren.

She was the loving grandmother of twelve grandchildren: Ajanay, Robert, Brianna, Deangelo, Destiny, Jordan, Mariah, Michael Jr., Joanna, Kayla, Leilani, and Matthew. She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Journee and DyMir, and was joyfully awaiting the arrival of another great-grandchild.

Cynthia’s heart and home extended beyond blood, and she lovingly embraced Tunya, Juanita, Phillisha, Donna, Benita and Shantell as her bonus daughters. She also shared a special bond with her favorite cousins, Curtis Leflore, Beau Gaitors and Roosevelt “Baybay” Blair.

Cynthia faced lung cancer and COPD with remarkable courage and strength. After receiving her cancer diagnosis, she made the deeply personal decision to forgo surgery and treatment. She chose instead to focus on enjoying the time she had left and creating lasting memories with her children and grandchildren. For Cynthia, it was not about the quantity of time but the quality of the life and love shared within it. She lived her final chapter on her own terms, surrounded by the people and memories that mattered most.

On September 10, 2026, Cynthia completed her earthly journey in Dubuque, Iowa, at the age of 64. She leaves to cherish her memory her five children; twelve grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and one on the way; her brother, Maurice Sampson; her sister, Darlene Buckner; her bonus daughters; her beloved cousins; and a host of nieces, nephews, step children, extended family members, and dear friends.

Cynthia will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her strength, her honesty, and her unwavering love for her children and grandchildren. She was real, supportive, motivating, and fiercely devoted to the people she loved. Her voice, her laughter, and her unforgettable presence will forever live in the hearts of everyone blessed to have known and loved her.

Though her time with us was far too short, the memories Cynthia created and the love she gave will remain with us forever.

Cynthia Renee Bradley was cremated, and no formal funeral service will be held. A Celebration of Life honoring her beautiful spirit, unforgettable personality, and the memories she created will be held at a later date. Details will be shared with family and friends once arrangements have been finalized.

The family of Cynthia Renee Bradley gratefully acknowledges every prayer, phone call, message, visit, thoughtful gesture, and expression of love shown during this difficult time. Your kindness, compassion, and support have brought us comfort and reminded us just how deeply Cynthia was loved.

Thank you for helping us honor the life of a woman who was truly one of one.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Cynthia’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.