Greenwood Soul Mates – Cynthia Stanciel
For us, “soul” represents that unique essence each person contributes to their community, weaving a colorful tapestry of stories, talents, cultural experiences, and more. In Greenwood, this tapestry is formed by numerous unique individuals whose captivating stories and deep connections to the region’s food, music and history define our identity as a town and make Greenwood such an extraordinary place to visit. These remarkable individuals are our “Soul Mates.”
In Greenwood, Mississippi, soul isn’t just a word—it’s a way of life. It lives in the music, the food, the front porch conversations and, most of all, in the people. One of those people is Cynthia Stanciel, a lifelong Greenwoodian whose story beautifully captures why this Delta town keeps calling people home.
A Full House and Bold Start
Cynthia grew up in Greenwood in a bustling household with 17 siblings—nine sisters and eight brothers. Life was full, loud, and never boring. After high school, she left for Memphis, where she built a successful 20-year career in luxury apartment management. She thought her visits to Greenwood would be just that: visits.
“I thought I had found my place,” Cynthia said. “But God had another plan.”
That plan involved her childhood friend Tim, whom she had known since they were seven. The two reconnected and began dating, planning a new chapter together in Memphis. But when Tim received a job offer from the Bank of Commerce in Greenwood, everything shifted.
“I told him not to turn it down just because of me,” she recalled. “So, he asked me to marry him, and we came back to Greenwood together. It was the best decision I ever made.”
Rediscovering What Makes Greenwood Special
Returning home didn’t just rekindle memories. It reminded Cynthia of everything she missed – the warmth, the community and the unmistakable charm of a town where people still wave hello and smile at strangers in the grocery store.
In Memphis “I’d say hello to folks, wave at cars, or speak to people at Target – and they looked at me like I was crazy,” she said with a laugh. “But that’s normal here. That’s Greenwood. We show up for one another, offer kindness, and live with compassion. That’s what makes this place special.”
Today, Tim serves as vice president at the Bank of Commerce, and Cynthia has stepped into leadership herself. First as chief administrative officer for the City of Greenwood, and now as county administrator for Leflore County. She also serves as vice president of the Leflore County Chamber of Commerce and sits on the boards of Main Street Greenwood, United Way and the Salvation Army.
Family First, Always
Eight months ago, Cynthia and Tim welcomed their daughter, Cydney Grace, into the world. The milestone made her first Mother’s Day especially meaningful. “We consider her our little miracle,” Cynthia beamed.
Though Cydney’s world looks different from Cynthia’s childhood growing up with 17 siblings, that experience prepared her for life more than anything else. “There was always someone to play with or something to do. And yes, we teased each other plenty,” she said with a smile. “But I learned how to work with all kinds of people because I grew up with so many personalities under one roof.”
Balancing it all takes goals and organization, but Cynthia keeps her priorities clear.
“I take each day as it comes” she said. “My husband and daughter come first. Then I find quiet moments for myself – to read, to pray, to breathe. I give my best in whatever role I’m in. I love being a mom, a wife and a public servant. I make it work.”
Where Soul Lives and Community Leads
When asked what she loves most about Greenwood, Cynthia doesn’t hesitate.
“There’s a real love here,” she said. “It’s genuine. Greenwood welcomes you with open arms and makes you feel like you belong. I live by the Golden Rule—treat others the way you want to be treated—and that’s exactly what you get here.”
Whether she’s balancing motherhood, public service, or a moment of quiet reflection, Cynthia finds joy in every part of life. Movies with her husband, a spontaneous dance or simply breathing in a quiet morning; she embraces it all.
And when it comes to Greenwood, she’s a passionate ambassador.
“It’s the people,” she said. “The love and compassion here stay with you. Once you feel it, you’re hooked. There’s nowhere else like it on the planet.”
When asked to describe her hometown in a single word, Cynthia picked “community.”
“Whatever our differences – politics, religion, personal views – when something happens, this town shows up. We take care of our own,” she said.
And when she talks about Greenwood’s soul, Cynthia speaks from the heart.
“Soul is raw. Soul is real. Soul is organic. Soul is personal. We have that here. It’s part of us.”
In Greenwood, hospitality isn’t a gesture, it’s a way of life. Cynthia Stanciel is proof that the heart and soul of this special place aren’t just found in its streets, landmarks or melodies. Heart and Soul live in the people who call Greenwood home and in the stories that keep bringing others here.
Step into Cynthia’s Greenwood and let her favorite parts lead your way!
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