Mrs. Chanthini Latrisse Pipkins Cruise, was born on June 29, 1970 in San Francisco,
California to Alex Pipkins and the late Janice Diane Brown. On Thursday, November 18, 2021, after a
long, courageous battle with breast cancer, Chanthini peacefully crossed over the river to enter one of
the 12 Gates to the city not made with man's hands, in the arms of her beloved husband Daryl, and close
friends at her residence.
Chanthini's family relocated back to Winston-Salem, North Carolina in the early 1970's, where she
would develop into a beautiful young lady, and ultimately make her contribution to her community,
state, and nation. She also spent countless summers and holidays in South Carolina with her dad and
family. Chanthini was educated in the Winston-Salem, Forsyth County School System, and was a
proud honor graduate of Carver High School. Chanthini's mother pressed upon her early in life the
importance of continuing her education. Having supported her education and setting high goals, in
1992, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree from North Carolina Central University in Secondary
Education with a concentration in Mathematics. In 1997, she received her Master of Science degree in
Human Resources (Business and Industry) from North Carolina A & T University.
At an early age, Chanthini began her faith walk and joined her family's home church- Beulah Baptist
Church, Winson-Salem. Later, she united with Union Baptist Church, where she was an active
member, and became involved in the Youth Ministry, and community service.
Chanthini's professional career began as a Math Teacher in the Winston-Salem, Forsyth County
Public School System. Because of her entrepreneurial spirit and desire to give back to her community,
she was able to realize her dream of being a business owner by establishing Sugar & Spice Child
Enrichment Center in Welcome, North Carolina; Galax, Virginia; and Kernersville, North Carolina.
The Kernersville, North Carolina location was an innovative vision to provide a quality, 21st century
child care facility for children.
Chanthini married Daryl Cruise on July 4, 1998, and they renewed their commitment to each other on
October 10, 2016. She was blessed with two beautiful daughters- Cyerra Brionna Cruise and Janae
Serenity Palmer.
Chanthini's community service at North Carolina Central University included Vice-President of
Worship and Praise Inspirational Mass Choir; and Chaplain, Delta Sigma Theta. She also assisted with
the Delta Gems, Winston-Salem Human Relations Commission, Kernersville Chamber of Commerce,
Coach Track and Field Next Level Track Club; Cruise N2 Awareness, Inc. for Breast Cancer
Awareness; and Carver Alumni Association, North Carolina Central Alumni Association (Winston-Salem Chapter).
Chanthini's legacy will forever be cherished by her devoted and caring husband of the home, Mr.
Daryl W. Cruise; her beloved daughters- Ms. Cyerra Brionna Cruise, Little Miss Janae Serenity
Palmer, and Ms. Tyler D. Greene; her father- Mr. Alex Pipkins of Florence, South Carolina; nurturing
grandmother-Ms. Margie Pipkins of Florence, South Carolina; siblings- Elder Alexis D. (LaDonna)
Pipkins, Sr., Mr. Torry Moses, Mr. Timothy Coe, Mr. Shawn Coe (all of Florence, South Carolina),
and Ms. Pamela Williams (Georgia), and Mrs. Juanitirce James (Columbia, South Carolina); and a
host of aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters and brother in-love; extended family and countless friends. A public viewing will be held Friday, November 26, 2021 from 1pm until 5pm at Douthit's. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, November 27, 2021 at 11:00am from Union Baptist Church. The family will receive friends at 10:30. Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services.