Cynthia Annette Spencer

Cynthia Annette Spencer (Cleveland), lovingly known as Cindy, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, at the age of 63. Born on March 7, 1962, in Memphis, Tennessee, Cindy carried her vibrant spirit and unmistakable sense of style everywhere she went. She most recently resided in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

Cindy was the daughter of the late George Cleveland and Annette Cleveland. She was previously married to Charles “Chuck” Spencer, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her significant other, Tom Tolen, with whom she shared many adventures and travels.

She is also survived by her only child, Haley Anne Nicole Baird (Spencer), and son-in-law Matthew Graham Baird of the Memphis area, as well as her cherished granddaughter, Harper Nicole Baird, who was the light of her life. Cindy is also survived by her brother, Mike Cleveland; her nieces, McKenzie Brown and Findley Cleveland; and her nephews, Garrett Cleveland and Brody Cleveland. She leaves behind her three beloved cats—Sassi, Jax, and Mia—who brought her constant companionship and joy.

Cindy was talented and driven from a young age, earning both her cosmetology and barber licenses while still in high school. She later also obtained her esthetician license. With a natural gift for style and connection, she built a successful career as a hair stylist and barber, a profession she truly loved and excelled in.

Later in life, motivated by her own experience with asthma and a desire to better understand and manage her health, Cindy returned to school and earned her Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy from Northwest Mississippi Community College. She worked for many years as a respiratory therapist before ultimately returning to cosmetology—the creative field that always felt most like home to her.

Cindy had an unmistakable sense of fashion and flair. She loved dressing up, decorating, and expressing herself through style—often choosing style over comfort, a trait she embraced with her signature stubborn streak. She was strong-willed and determined, often pushing herself and her limits in life. That drive showed in her career changes, her personal growth, and the way she faced challenges head-on. Rarely underdressed and never lacking resolve, she carried herself with confidence and intention.

She loved traveling and capturing memories through photographs on trips with Tom and with family. One of her greatest joys was visiting her daughter and son-in-law in the Memphis area. Having cherished dressing up and playing dolls as a child herself, she was overjoyed to first have a daughter to share that with—and then even more thrilled to have a granddaughter to love, spoil, and dress up all over again.

Cindy also had a playful and funny side that those closest to her knew well. She loved to laugh, to play games, and to bring humor into everyday life. Even in difficult moments, she had a way of lightening the mood with a joke or a quick smile, helping others feel at ease.

Cindy will be remembered for her strength, resilience, determination, creativity, humor, and deep love for her family. Her life was marked by beauty, laughter, perseverance, and an unwavering devotion to those she loved most.

A celebration of life service will be planned in the Memphis, Tennessee area, with details to be announced at a later date.