When Cynthia Marilyn D. Mosley, affectionately known as “Mama Mosley,” graduated from Girls High School in 1959, she was voted “Most Likely to Succeed,” a prophecy she more than fulfilled. She went on to become an esteemed community leader, mentor, activist, and tireless public servant.
On May 4, 2026, the indefatigable educator joined the ancestors. She was 84.
Notwithstanding her outstanding achievements, she may be best remembered as the mother of Walter T. Mosley III, the former New York Secretary of State. But she also played a critical role in his election to the New York State Assembly in 2012, where he represented Assembly District 57.
A native of Brooklyn, she began her teaching career at the very school she attended, where she proudly taught alongside her mentor, Clara Cardwell, and thus began a long tenure in the city’s public schools. She taught her students with the same excellence she acquired at Morgan State University and City College, from which she graduated cum laude. A recipient of a master’s degree in science and mathematics and a second master’s degree in educational administration and supervision, induction into Phi Delta Kappa, and later a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., were inevitable.
Among her many civic and leadership roles was serving as Director of the Citywide Task Force on Pregnant and Parenting Teens. In this capacity, she was indispensable in providing the young women with counseling and expanding their educational and later employment possibilities. But this was a mere stepping stone for her subsequent duties in city government, including her work as an assistant to Howard Golden, Brooklyn Borough President, and later as an administrative manager for the New York City Comptroller’s Office from 1992 to 2018.
For the next four years after leaving the Comptroller’s Office, she was a special advisor to Speaker Corey Johnson. To list the various community and civic organizations that profited from her leadership and insight would be quite lengthy, but we must mention her association with and guidance of the Progressive Association for Political Action Democratic Club, as well as her role as a delegate to the 2004 Democratic National Convention for the 10th Congressional District.
Mosley was honored by Brooklyn Council Member Crystal Hudson two years ago and cited for her invaluable contributions to the city and state. Preceding her death was her daughter, Allyson Mosley. She is survived by her son, Walter.
Her name was Marilyn D, Mosley. Not Cynthia Marilyn D. Mosley