Obituary of Cynthia “Cindy” McMaster Hendley

 Cynthia “Cindy” McMaster Hendley, born December 22, 1956, in Springfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home in Suwanee, Georgia, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

 Cindy is survived by her loving sons, William Drady Hendley III, Robert Hardesty Hendley, and Thomas Jay Hendley; her daughters-in-law, Marcela Hendley and Kathryn Hendley; her mother, Vivianna Sue McMaster; her sister, Mindy Angleton; her brother, Bill McMaster; her grandchildren, Elliott, Liam, Emory, and Mila, who affectionately knew her as “Nana”; and her nephews, Patrick Moore and Cameron Angleton. 

 She was preceded in death by her husband, William Drady Hendley II, and her father, William Robert McMaster.

 Cindy spent her childhood in Rock Springs, Wyoming, and later in Hardin County, Illinois. After graduating from Eastern Illinois University, she moved to the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia where she worked for The Coca-Cola Company, making north Atlanta the setting for her and her husband’s expanding family.

 As a mother, Cindy was unfailingly there for her boys. Whether it was marching band performances, cross-country meets, school activities, or time spent with their friends, she made sure they felt loved and supported. No matter how busy life became, her family consistently came first. Cindy’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her precious children and grandchildren. She was a truly amazing mother and friend.

 Cindy was adored by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her. She was a bright light in the lives of her sons, grandchildren, and friends. She was joyful, kind, and forever smiling and laughing. Her selflessness shined in her roles as a mother and grandmother. Cindy never hesitated to stop what she was doing and be there for those she loved. No soccer practice was too small or game too far; Nana would invariably be there, shouting support from the sidelines.

 Dedicated to the people in her life, Cindy would always arrive early to get-togethers, never empty-handed and ready to see how she could help. To her friends, she had a gentle heart, regularly putting others before herself, making everyone around her feel valued and cared for. She was a treasured friend whose compassion touched so many lives. Cindy brought warmth, kindness, and encouragement wherever she went. She has left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her, and her memory will be forever treasured.

 There will be a memorial service honoring Cindy, this Friday June 5th, 2026 at Vinyard Chapel in Elizabethtown, Illinois (in the Karbers Ridge area) at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception.

 Friends and family are invited to Cindy’s Celebration of Life to be held Sunday, June 7, 2026 at: Bill Head Funeral Home located at 3088 Duluth Hwy Duluth, Ga 30096. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with service to follow at 11 a.m.

 

Published in the June 4, 2026 Hardin County Independent.

We need your support. Subscribe! $42 in Hardin County, $44 Elsewhere, $37 e-Edition. Subscribe online or call 618-287-2361.