Cynthia Marie (Buyse) Johnson entered God’s presence on April 12, 2026, at her home in Andover, Minnesota, surrounded by loving family and friends. She was born in Minneapolis to her parents Marjorie Ann (Look) Buyse and L. John Buyse, the third of five children. Cynthia grew up in Anoka, an honors graduate of Anoka High School, where she was active in cheerleading, yearbook staff, and played viola in the Anoka High School Orchestra. Several years later she continued her education at Bethel College, in St. Paul, Minnesota. She worked for her father’s business, McLean Midwest, for more than 30 years until her retirement in 2014 to enjoy more time traveling, and spending time with grandchildren. 

She met the love of her life at Anoka High School, and married Richard S. Johnson, son of Richard A. Johnson, and Anna Mae (Conlin) Johnson, in August, 1973. The Lord blessed them with two children, Richard M. and Christina Jane. They were married for 52 years. 

Cynthia’s life was centered on Jesus, her family, and her friends… in that order. She was gifted with a magnificent mezzo-soprano voice and sang to the glory of God throughout her life. Music and beauty brought her great joy, which she in turn used to bless others. She sang in the Anoka First Baptist Church Choir for more than thirty years. Her father, L. John Buyse directed the choir for much of that time, while her grandfather, Dr. O. A. Look served as the pastor for many years. Those were wonderful and joyous years for Cynthia, sharing her love of music. 

She filled First Baptist Church with her voice, 1000’s of times, singing at weddings, memorial services, and Christmas Concerts throughout her time. She also followed in her father’s footsteps of music directing by leading the music for Vacation Bible School, and as the Children’s Choir director.

Her love of beauty and design was carried out in every aspect of her life. The way she decorated her home, the way she dressed, and the way she would bless others. She did this through sewing, hosting elaborate tea parties, and her famous homemade frosted sugar cookies. 

That gift of beauty was also passed on to her daughter, Christina, who enjoys making areas beautiful as an interior designer; and her son, by designing and enhancing spaces in people’s homes through construction. 

Her tea parties were masterpieces of both culinary and visual beauty. No detail was left out. There is not a niece (or even nephew) who would have turned down an invitation to attend one of those events. 

Cynthia had a generous, selfless, and loving heart. She exhibited joy, kindness and service to her family and friends. She took to heart the Lord’s words, “as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” 

Cynthia is survived by her husband, Richard S, her two children, Ricky (Emily) and Christina (Cohlby Youtsey) and seven grandchildren; Riley, London, and Maverick Johnson; Knox, Alistair, Haddon, and Whitfield Youtsey. 

Cynthia will be remembered as a wonderful and kind mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, who loved the Lord and longed for others to know Him.

This is a passage of Scripture dear to her heart; 

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling

and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—

25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority,

through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages

now and forevermore!

Amen.

Jude 24-25 

Today, and forever, she is rejoicing… and surely singing… in the presence of her CREATOR.

Funeral Services, Friday, May 1, 2026 at 11 am at First Baptist Church of Anoka, 1235 Park Street, Anoka. Visitation one hour prior to the services at the church. Interment Forest Hill Cemetery, Anoka