On Monday January 21st, the sewing industry lost a teacher who is remembered fondly by her students. Although not an ASDP member, she has touched our community through our members who took her classes over the years.

From our colleagues at the Sewing and Quilt Expo:

It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of our dear friend and teacher, Cynthia Guffey, on Monday night.  She had throat cancer. She did not seek, nor did she accept medical intervention, and so passed much the way she lived – in charge of her decisions, following her heart.  Even when Cynthia sent a note last week canceling her appearance at both the Atlanta and Lakeland, FL, Expos, she did not let on how seriously ill she was.  She was a very private person.

Cynthia was a founding member of our Expo family, having been at the very first event, missing an event only when her husband, Wayne, and then her mother passed. Her clever wit, generosity of spirit, intellectual curiosity and uncanny ability to communicate complex ideas simply and clearly will be missed by her thousands of students, her friends at the Expo and by each of us.  Her impact cannot be overstated, and we will miss her more than words can express.   

Her service will be held on Friday, January 25th at New Life Baptist Church at 11:00 AM at 34 Sunrise Place, Hayesville, NC 28904. Friends are welcome at 10:00 AM to greet her family. Flowers may be ordered from Rachel Payne Florist 828-389-0204. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to New Life Baptist Church, P.O. Box 742, Hayesville, NC 28904.

Her presence will be so deeply missed, but what a legacy of excellence she has left to us.  Let us honor her memory with that same commitment to excellence.