Cynthia Lu "Cindy" Johnson

Cynthia Lu “Cindy” Johnson died unexpectedly at her La Plata, Maryland home on Monday, September 1. Born August 11, 1953, in Whidbey Island, Washington, she was 72 years old. She is survived by her spouse, Michael “Zeke” Johnson, three children, Alex (Pei Pei) from San Antonio, TX; Bryan from Towson, MD; and Virginia from Waldorf. She also is survived by her granddaughter Nancie Brown (Max); sister Bea Myles O’Brien, and brothers Pat (Meri) and Danny (Peggy) Myles; a host of nieces and nephews and her special extended family. Predeceasing Cynthia were her parents, Joe and Marion Myles, and her sisters Kris Myles and Ann Myles-Nagle. Like her parents, Cindy was a stalwart with the Port Tobacco Players as a performer, director, producer and Board Member. She first appeared on the stage at age 8 in the melodrama, “Dirty Work at the Crossroads.” She went on to perform in memorable roles as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, Tevye’s daughter Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof, Glinda in The Wiz, Big Momma in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Ginger in 1940s Radio Hour, and Fannie Brice in Funny Girl. Cindy performed in many other roles at the Players and Hard Bargain Farm and she was most proud of her co-direction of Steel Magnolias (recognized by the British Embassy Players) and the Port Tobacco Players’ 40th anniversary celebration of the Port Tobacco Players. She also launched a Maryland Theater Festival and she and her husband, Zeke, were honored by them. She also received awards from the British Embassy Players, Charles County Arts Alliance as well as the David Schroeder Memorial Award for contributions to community theater in Maryland and across the DC Metropolitan Area. She was known for her persistence and commitment to advancing performing arts at all levels in Charles County, most actively with the Players, but also in Virginia, DC and across Maryland. Cindy grew up in the Bryans Road/Indian Head area, attended Indian Head Elementary School, St. Mary’s Star of the Sea School, and graduated from La Reine High School. She spent nearly 40 years working for Thomas Harkin Associates, Interstate General then St. Charles Associates, ending her career working with Maredith Management. In addition to her love of theater, she was an avid New Orleans Saints fan as well as University of Maryland. Family and friends will host a Celebration of Life and Memorial Tribute to Cindy on October 13 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Port Tobacco Players (ptplayers.com) and/or the Charles County Arts Alliance.

Cynthia Lu "Cindy" Johnson

August 11, 1953 - September 1, 2025