Cynthia Lynne Bailey Thibault died on Saturday June 8, 2024, at home surrounded by her family, after a recent cancer diagnosis. Cynthia was born on August 14, 1956, in Columbia, SC. She was the eldest daughter of Doris Goff Bailey and Noel Bailey (deceased).

She is survived by her mother and sisters: Emily Sue Bailey of Columbia, SC and Dessiree Noelle Bailey of Portola Valley, CA. She is also survived by her cousin Eddie H. Goff with whom she shared a lifelong friendship.

Ms. Thibault graduated from Wade Hampton Academy in Orangeburg, SC. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of South Carolina as a Cum Laude graduate in 1977. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She received her Master of Education from USC in 1979 and Educational Specialist, Counselor Education in 1991. She continued her education throughout her career, obtaining certifications in several counseling specialties such as play therapy and advanced family mediation training.

Ms. Thibault was employed by School District Five of Lexington and served as Counselor for River Springs Elementary School from its inception in 1997 to her retirement in 2020. Her passion was teaching children with special needs as well as providing guidance through individual counseling. She was a strong advocate for children and believed in working with a child's family as much as possible.

Cynthia was a devoted daughter, sister, and friend. Her lifelong artistic talents were expressed in watercolor, sketching, dance, stained glass, decorating and hosting birthday dinners for loved ones. She cherished the time with her mother cooking, gardening and finding joy in each day together. She loved the Carolinas traveling from the Lowcountry to the mountains of NC. If beach music was playing, her dancing shoes were on. An accomplished and passionate dancer of the Carolina shag, she looked forward to "SOS" weeks in Myrtle Beach. She believed in the democratic process and worked tirelessly for fairness, justice and equality for all in local and national issues.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday June 13 at 4:00pm at Highway Pentecostal Church, 2290 Heath Pond Road, Elgin, SC 29045. The service will be conducted by Cynthia's long time friend Rev. Mickey Bell.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made to the Epworth Children's Home in Columbia, 2900 Millwood Ave, Columbia, SC 29205.