Cynthia Idell (Celestand) Deemer

Cynthia Idell Celestand Deemer

Sunrise - December 4, 1957                                                    Sunset – April 8. 2022

Cynthia Celestand Deemer, a light that shone brightly during her short walk in this world, was born on December 4, 1957 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her parents, Ernest Celestand, Sr. and Irma Anthony Celestand were strong influences in her life. Cynthia was no stranger to the Baptist church. From birth, she was ever-present in the church community clinging to her mother (a true advocate and follower of the Word)---That set the foundation of her existence. Accepting Christ at very tender age, Cynthia professed her faith, was baptized and became a fully active member of Second Zion Baptist Church No. 1 under the leadership of Pastor Matthew McGary, Sr.  Cynthia was taught to cherish and worship God. And she did. She worked diligently at all levels in the work of the church from toddler to adulthood. 

Tireless in her devotion to God, God recognized that she would need a helpmate.  It is while doing His work that she met and married Rev. Billy Ray Mims. From this union, Cynthia and Billy were blessed with two wonderful sons, Terrell Wilfred and Derrick Wayne. Later, Cynthia would marry Vernon Deemer and move to Tylertown, Mississippi where she enjoyed her beautiful property and the friendship of those in her community.

She matriculated through each level of her religious development at Second Zion Baptist Church No. 1. As a member of the youth department, she was active in the following areas: the Sunday school, the Searchlight Club, and all areas of mission---serving the Lord with gladness in her Christian journey.

When Cynthia was not in church, she worked very feverishly to grow as an individual. A committed member of both the State and National Baptist Conventions, Cynthia was involved from early childhood until adulthood in all aspects of learning about God’s Word.

As a product of the Orleans Parish School System and a graduate of Francis T. Nicholls High School in 1975, she went on to earn an Associate Degree from the University of New Orleans in Business Administration.  Some sites of early employment for this ambitious young woman were secretary at the Union Baptist Seminary and payroll processor at Lykes Bros. Not content, she explored the field of education at Sarah T. Reed High School where she was described as a diligent and indispensible educator in computer technology and the Jobs for America’s Graduates Program. She aided all who needed help. That was her mantra—helper of mankind.

Cynthia never stopped finding ways to improve. Ever growing, she went into business for herself. While in Mississippi, she enrolled at Southern Mississippi Community College where she received an Associates degree in Applied Science-2020 and joined the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society; she later participated in the Entrepreneur Training Program of the Entrepreneur Center at Mississippi Development Authority to perfect her skill. After receiving her diploma there, she continued her work of helping to empower small business owners and volunteering in assisting churches with non-profit organizations. In addition, she was a licensed insurance agent for the state of Mississippi, a notary public, and the assistant director of Grayson Services of Corinth, Mississippi. It was said that “Ms. Cynthia’s passion was for small businesses to be in compliance and she was adamant about it.” Furthermore, she owned and operated her own consulting firm in Tylertown where she advocated and supported businesses in every way possible.

Cynthia Celestand Deemer was preceded in death by: her parents, Ernest and Irma Celestand; her husband, Vernon Deemer; her son, Derrick Wayne Mims. her brothers, Ernest Celestand, Sr. and Kenny Ray Celestand, Sr.; her eldest sister, Ruby Jewel Ferguson; her sister-in-law Patricia Celestand; her nephew, Kenny Ray Celestand, Jr.

 She leaves to cherish her memory: her son, Terrell(Andi) Wilfred Mims;  her daughter-in-law Russhele Mims; her grandson  Derrick Wayne Mims, Jr.; her granddaughter; Anaya Jones-Mims, her brother: Larry(Claudia)Celestand, Sr. her sisters Barbara (Bobbie) Temple, Sandra (Lawrence) Marley; her sister-in-law hallie Celestand; her nephews Lawrence (Gelon) Marley III, Jeffrey (Keisha) Celestand, John (Karla) Celestand, Larry Celestand, Jr. her nieces Kamara (Mitchell) Cooper, Rasheedah (Johnny) Vargas,  Robin (Gary) Jourdan, Tammitra( Robert)Tircuit, April (Vannoy) Cole, Keyandra (Patrick) Ellis; her friend sister Gaye Jordan; her honorary Son, Paul Wemberly, Jr.; Special extended friend family members include Leah Baptiste, Kirk Baptiste and the entire Baptiste family; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Family and friends are invited to remember our beloved Cynthia Celestand Deemer on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at 1:00pm at Smith Funeral Home 519 Owens Street Columbia, Mississippi. Viewing will be from 1:00pm -2:00pm followed by a grave site interment and farewell at Magee Creek Baptist Church Cemetery 57 Magee Creek Church Road, Tylertown, Mississippi.

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