It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cynthia “Cindy” Diamond Christian, age 64, who went home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 2, 2026. Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the Hollandale Baptist Church. There will be a visitation from 10:30 a.m. until service time. Burial will be in the Hollandale City Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Boone Funeral Home, Leland. Serving as pallbearers will be J.R. Miller, Grant Miller, Tri Miller, Doug Miller, Kendrick Burnside, and Rob Smyly.
Cindy was born in Greenville, Mississippi, on September 22, 1961, to the late Billy and Jennie Diamond. She attended Deer Creek School, graduating in the Class of 1979. During her school years, Cindy played basketball under Coach James Branning—a sport she truly loved. Years later, one of her greatest joys was watching her own daughters play basketball under the very same coach while she kept the team books. Cindy’s dedication to youth sports never faded; she rarely missed a game and frequently provided transportation for local kids so they would never miss out.
A passionate champion for her community, Cindy opened several businesses in Hollandale to create jobs and support local families. As President of the Hollandale Economic and Community Development Foundation (HECDF), she poured her heart into beautifying the town, decorating for events, and meticulously caring for the Hollandale Cemetery, a place she held dear. Her tireless service to her beloved town earned her the honor of serving as Grand Marshal of the Hollandale Christmas Parade.
Known for her infectious humor, Cindy was truly the life of the party and always had everyone around her laughing. Her zest for life shone brightest during local celebrations like First Friday and the Sam Chatmon Blues Festival. A fierce competitor in the festival’s BBQ contest, she took home first place several years in a row alongside her husband Howard and brother-in-law Hugh Christian on the grills, with her niece, Lauren Taylor, eagerly assisting with any task needed. Beyond festival cooking, Cindy was a talented caterer, orchestrating numerous weddings and annual corporate meetings.
Her deep faith was evident in everything she did. Cindy loved the Lord dearly, cherished her church, and took immense pride in decorating it every Christmas. She embraced every opportunity to dress up for the holidays and never turned down a chance to dance with the love of her life, Howard.
Above all, Cindy treasured her family. On July 19, 1984, she married Howard Lewis Christian, her devoted soulmate of 43 years. She delighted in working alongside Howard in his extensive garden and yard, cooking his favorite meals, and dedicating herself fully to his happiness. If Cindy wasn’t by Howard’s side, she was with her children and grandchildren, who were the center of her world.
Cindy also had a compassionate heart for animals and took great pride in nursing struggling animals back to health. Her beloved dog, Binky, was her constant angel and devoted companion during her final days. Known by many businesses throughout town because he went everywhere with her, Binky instinctively sensed Cindy’s illness and gently guarded her until the end.
Cindy is survived by her beloved husband of 43 years, Howard Lewis Christian of Hollandale, MS, and their three daughters and sons-in-law: Marlana (Matt) Peeples of Tahoka, TX; Ashleigh (J.R.) Miller of Hollandale, MS; and Hope (Jonas) Carr of Summit, NJ. She leaves behind ten cherished grandchildren: Emma Grace, Graham, Molly Anne, and Emersyn Peeples; Grant, Tri, and Doug Miller; and Bryson, Olivia, and Elle Carr. She is also survived by her three sisters, Kathy (Jimmy) Garrett of Carrollton, MS, Linda Middleton (James Henson) of Natchez, MS, and Billie Jean (Danny) Tyler of Leland, MS; as well as brother-in-law, Hugh (Kathy) Christian of Clinton, MS; sister-in-law, Linda Gene (the late Dr. Bill) Jackson; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by father, Billy Diamond; mother, Jennie Diamond; father-in-law, Hubert T. Christian; mother-in-law, Eva Gene Christian; and first husband of two years, Tommy Gammons.
The family wishes to extend their special thanks and gratitude to Pamela Mackin, Cindy’s dearly loved friend of 19 years whom she claimed as her own daughter, for her constant devotion and willingness to help Cindy and Howard with anything they needed. Deep appreciation is also extended to Danneshia (Woman) Winn for the extraordinary love and care she provided to Cindy, as well as to Dr. Maroun Hayek and the staff at the Delta Cancer Institute for their compassionate care throughout her illness.