“Beginnings are usually scary and endings are usually sad, but it’s everything in between that makes it all worth living.”

-Bob Marley Cheryl lived an inspirational life. She loved sharing her humble, smalltown High Island beginnings with her brother, sister, cousins and lifelong friends. She was the apple of her mother’s eye and her dad’s ray of sunshine.

As a teenager, she excelled in theatre and was even given a college scholarship for her one-act play performance. But as fate would have it, she moved to Galveston instead and worked as an emergency room clerk where she serendipitously met the love of her life. Together she and Wayne weathered the roughest of storms and raised two successful, loving children, Julie and Dustin. She was a dedicated mother- ever her kids’ biggest fan, greatest cheerleader, and dedicated stronghold. She never missed a function, class party, game or performance.

During the last 30 years, Cheryl and Wayne shared their home and love with over 20 different youth at various times- investing in them, teaching them life skills, and mentoring them through numerous trials and transitions. She was a mother to countless others.

Cheryl cruised through life with soulmates as her dearest friends. They leaned on each other through thick and thin.

Ultimately though, her sister was her best friend.

They were inseparable.

Known to many as CherShoe or Mrs. Cheryl, she spent much of her time collecting and distributing items for those in need through her Blessings & Kindness group; she was a modern day Joan of Arc. She fervently served her Lord, His church, and her community through continued selflessness and unending charity. She had the gift of making anyone in the room feel like the most important person in the world.

As time, growth, and distance separated her from her kids, she still traveled frequently to make every moment count, using each opportunity to share her beautiful smile, contagious laugh, warm hugs, and immeasurable love with her kids and grandkids.

She was the sparkle and joy in their life and they were the light in hers.

Cheryl felt strongly that if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything, and she knew exactly where she stood… on the side of unconditional love. In a memoir she recently finished, she described the meaning of life and what she could not live without, she wrote “… the meaning of life to me? I would have to say it is Love.”

We want to invite our family and friends to share stories and remember Cheryl at a visitation on Friday; August 18, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 PM and/or come join us in celebrating her life at 11:00 AM on Saturday; August 19, 2023.

Both will be held at Madisonville Christian Fellowship in Madisonville, TX.

Please wear blue to honor Cheryl’s commitment, love, and dedication to local foster children. Bro.

Wade Phillips will officiate. An informal potluck for family and friends will follow the Saturday service at Fannin Oaks Golf Course & Country Club (2006 Country Club Lane). Bring your favorite food and help us celebrate her life.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are: Monte Brigance, Jessie Cuevas, Chad Fluhman, Kyle Cuevas, Ben Brigance, Chris Garza, Jeremy Lyons, Dustin Hogard, Tyler Roberts, Dale Godwin, Steven White, and Nick Phillips.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Cheryl’s memory may be given to The Madison County CPS Board (103 W Trinity St, #113; Madisonville, TX 77864.)