Cynthia Wray Dean Van Dyke

Cynthia was born December 13, 1942, in Salem, VA to the late Ray Leo Dean and Eunice Oneida Hall Dean. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Daniel Alan Dean.

Cynthia was a bona fide saint. She was an educator, talented artist, steward of the earth, lover of ALL animals, and the best mom. Among her favorite things were wine and cheese dinners, The Andy Griffith Show, butterflies, cozy blankets, ice cream, and The Lowcountry. The love she felt for her family radiated constantly through her gentle smile and sparkling eyes. We will hold in our hearts for eternity.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving daughters, Rebecca Suzanne Van Dyke, Lauren Van Dyke (Lawrence); the father of her children, Bill Van Dyke; sister, Becky Duncan (Terry); brother, Billy Dean (Linda); grandchildren, Lola and Beatrix Powell; nieces, Sarah, Alex, Chelsea, Larissa, Danica, and Cate as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; and finally, her feline kids, Linus, Leon Pineapple, and Sofie Rose.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the caring staff at Karis Care Services and The Hermitage. We extend an extra special thank you to Lela and Hannah, whose compassion and care in the final months were a comfort beyond words. We felt so much peace knowing they were by her side.

The family will receive friends and family on Monday, October 19, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, VA. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Roanoke, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, we invite friends and family to make donations to Earthjustice (https://earthjustice.org/) and Angels of Assisi (https://www.angelsofassisi.org/).

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.