Cynthia Ann Storay-Harris

Cynthia Ann Storay Harris was born on December 17, 1959, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Cramon Norris Storay, Sr. and Marie Nelson Storay. She peacefully departed this earthly life, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, into the loving arms of God, leaving behind a family who loved her deeply and countless memories that will bring both laughter and comfort.

A devoted follower of Christ, loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and hardworking woman, Ann was deeply committed to caring for her family and the people she loved. She graduated from Little Rock Hall High School in May 1979 and built a strong work history that included Simpson Press, the Arkansas Gazette, and the North Little Rock Street and Electric Department. She later continued her career in public service as a Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputy, for more than twenty years before retiring in 2022. Ann’s desire to serve others extended beyond her professional career. She founded Arkansas Women in Transition (ArkWIT) to provide support and assistance to women in need and later established AIMS Janitorial as an extension of that work. Whether serving her family or those who needed a helping hand, Ann’s work ethic reflected the woman she was as determined, compassionate, and never afraid of hard work.

Sister Ann accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized both spiritually and in water. She later rededicated her life to Christ and was rebaptized under the pastoral leadership of Bishop James E. Bolden III at Evangelist Ministries. As her faith deepened and her commitment to serving God grew, she answered the call to ministry. On April 24, 1998, she became a licensed missionary, and on June 27, 1999, she was licensed as a minister. Sister Ann remained devoted to her faith and her love for Christ.

Anyone who knew Ann knew she was truly one of a kind. She didn’t take any mess and never had a problem telling you exactly what she thought. She was known to have a complaint or two about every restaurant she ever visited, but that was Ann. Beneath that tough exterior was a woman with a heart who loved her family fiercely. When Ann loved you, she loved you hard and unconditionally. She would fight a bear over the people she called hers. She was also an animal lover with a special place in her heart for her beloved pets, Puncho, Jeremiah, Icy, Patches and Baby. Ann was a constant source of love and support for her family, especially during the times they needed her most. Whether she was calling for someone to bring her a “plate,” or promising that when she hit the lottery, nobody she loved would ever have to work again, she left us with beautiful memories that cannot be replaced.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Carthel Storay, Sr. and Willie Westbrooks Storay; her maternal grandparents, John and Nannie Viola Nelson; her parents, Cramon Norris Storay, Sr. and Marie Nelson Storay; her sisters, Sandra M. McCuien and Gaynell A. Abraham; her brothers, Fred L. Abraham, Jr. and Robert Storay; and her nephew, Brian J. McCuien.

Ann leaves to cherish her memory and love to her beloved son, Michael Wayne Stephenson, Jr. (Kissy); her loving grandchildren, Micah, Michael III, and Isaiah; and her first great-grandchild, Sauzae. She also leaves her surviving siblings, Mary “Beadie” Abraham Traylor, Tyson Storay, Charles Anthony Storay (Rose), Dora Storay Phillips, Georgia Mae Storay Whitmore, James Storay, Cramon Storay, Jr., James “Archie” Williams, and Donetta “Nedia” Coleman; along with several other paternal siblings. She shared a special bond with her nieces Genie, Tonya, and DeeDee, and nephew Keith, whom she truly loved. Ann also leaves a host of additional family and friends who will deeply miss her presence, humor, and the unconditional love she gave freely.