AREA OBITUARIES – Cynthia “Cyndy” Terrett

Cynthia “Cyndy” Terrett, age 78, passed away Tues., Feb. 17, 2026 at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center at Mercy Health in Paducah, Ky.
Cyndy was born July 2, 1947, in Niagara Falls, N.Y., to the late Donald and Helen MacLaren.
A gifted musician, Cyndy’s talents ranged from flute to banjo, but her heart belonged to the bagpipes. Proud of her Scottish MacLaren heritage, she began lessons as a child and later broke barriers by joining a professional all-male pipe band, marching in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade during high school. As lead piper for the University of Iowa Highlanders, she toured Europe and appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, where—while teaching Johnny Carson to play—an accidental bump of the mouthpiece caused him to gag mid-segment, much to Cyndy’s lifelong delight.
Cyndy was also a fierce and graceful athlete who found her greatest joy on the golf course. Living by the motto, “You drive for show and putt for dough,” she captured numerous women’s championships at Hickman Country Club. Though petite, she had a powerful drive and exceptional short game, earning both trophies and admiration from all who played beside her.
She dedicated 28 distinguished years to the students and families of Fulton County Schools. Beginning as a 7th and 8th grade English teacher at Western and Cayce—where she also served as Lead Teacher—she later taught English and French at Fulton County High School before moving into leadership, overseeing numerous federal and state programs. Her career was defined by excellence, service, and steady leadership.
Cyndy carried herself with the quiet authority of a lifelong educator—a single look could settle a room—yet her dry, lightning-fast wit easily kept pace with her life-of-the-party husband, Charlie, the love of her life for nearly 60 years. Together, they built a true partnership filled with laughter, loyalty, and deep devotion.
She believed in doing things with intention. Standards mattered—whether in thoughtful conversation, a perfectly timed greeting card, or a table set just right for “must-gos” leftovers. Though her famously stoic Yankee edges softened over time, she never lost her poised confidence or love for sharp conversation. Impeccably put together and quick with a clever remark, she was equal parts classy Yankee and gracious Southerner—proving discipline and generosity can live side by side. Cyndy’s love had a way of straightening your spine while softening your heart, turning ordinary moments into the memories her family will cherish forever.
Though Cyndy has left this earth physically, her spirit lives on in her five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and her two daughters who proudly share her determined spirit. We find comfort knowing she is reunited with her beloved Charlie, their devotion continuing beyond this life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Terrett; her parents, Donald and Helen MacLaren; and her brother, Peter MacLaren.
Cyndy is survived by her daughters, Carolyn Terrett (Darren) Byrd, of Fulton, Ky., and Carla Terrett Hawkins, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; five grandchildren, Gracie Byrd and Cameron Byrd, of Fulton, Ky., Samantha Johnston, of South Fulton, Tenn., and Samuel and Isaac Hawkins, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and two great-grandchildren, Cason and Corbin Johnston, of South Fulton, Tenn.
A memorial visitation will be held Sat., Feb. 21, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. at Hornbeak Funeral Chapel in Hickman, Ky.
Memorials may be made to Fulton County Pilots Academy, Joey Bumpous Memorial Scholarship Fund, or Maurice Tucker Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Ellen Murphy, 2740 Moscow Ave, Hickman, KY 42050.