Cynthia Ellen Oakes Harman

Cynthia Ellen Oakes Harman, 57, of St. Albans, WV, passed away on October 24, 2024, surrounded by those she loved. Cindy, as she was affectionately known, was born on May 1, 1967, in Mineola, NY. Her parents were Thomas Henry and Lois Mae Franz Oakes, of St. Albans. Cindy was a 1985 graduate of St. Albans High School. In high school, Cindy managed to be voted Friendliest, Shyest, and homecoming queen all in the same year, which seems like an unlikely combination, but described Cindy perfectly. Cindy went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from West Virginia State College. She was a kindergarten teacher for Kanawha County Schools for many years, most recently at Dunbar Primary, a job she loved. The pride of her life was her three children, Cameron Mitchell Harman II (Kylie) of Dover, Delaware, and Franklin Graham Harman and Ellynne Brooke Harman, both of St. Albans. She is also survived by her mother, Lois (known to many as Gracie); sisters, Kelly Hammitt (Christopher) of Nutter Fort, WV and Karyn Schmidl of Kingwood, WV; brother, Jeffrey Oakes (Tonja) of Cross Lanes; granddaughter Ella Kameron Harman; and a large number of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who loved her dearly. Cindy Ellen’s name means “shining light,” and she shared her light with all of us. She loved with all her heart, making sure everyone knew just how much they meant to her. You could feel her love through the handwritten letters and cards full of hearts and smiley faces, random “I love you” texts, and the gifts she thoughtfully picked. Cindy had an affinity for sour cream, chips and French onion dip, jigsaw puzzles, board games, coloring, playing with her granddaughter Ella, and watching Love Actually on repeat. Her not-so-hidden talent was her Donald Duck impression. Cindy lived her faith out loud every day, believing strongly in second chances, showing kindness to everyone she met, and always looking for the good in people. Cindy was greeted in heaven by her maternal grandfather, Frank Walter Franz; father, Thomas Henry Oakes; big sister, Cynthia Jane Oakes Drout, and the father of her children, Cameron Mitchell Harman I. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home, St. Albans, with Pastor Jamie Wright officiating. Her final resting place will be in the Harman Family Cemetery, Tornado. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Wednesday, at the funeral home. You may visit Cynthia’s tribute page at BartlettNichols.com to share memories or condolences with the family. Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home, family owned and located at 409 Sixth Avenue, St. Albans is honored to serve the Harman family.

Cynthia Ellen Oakes Harman

May 1, 1967 - October 24, 2024