Mrs. Shirley Cherry

   Mrs. Shirley Gurley Boddie Cherry was born on November 8, 1941 and departed this earth on Palm Sunday, April 14, 2019 at Emory Hillendale Hospital in Lithonia, Georgia after a brief illness. She was a life long resident of Newport News, Va.

   She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Gilbert and Louise Davis Gurley of Florence, South Carolina. Her brothers, Leroy, Gilbert (Louvenia), Joseph “Boo”( Dorothy ) Gurley. Her sister, Lillie Mae Gurley Parks( Steward) and her son, Ricky W. Green.

    She leaves to cherish her memories, her husband, Horace Cherry of Powellsville, North Carolina. Brother in-laws, Earl(Louise), Clifton (Florence), Joseph (Elizabeth) and Steven (Berniece) Cherry, Sim (Janet), Cecil (Rosa Mae) and James Boddie. Her sisters in – law, Virginia (Bryant) Caldwell and LaTonya (Kirby) Gaskins.

Her sons, Willie “Bobby” (Adrian) Green of Hampton, Georgia and Thomas “Tom Tom” Boddie, Jr. of Hampton, Va. Nine grandchildren; Yvonne,Bobby, Jamel, Jonae, Jonelle, Jasmine, Jade, DeShawn and Sasha. Ten great grandchildren; Audrey, Aubree, Johnnah, Johnny, Michael, Willie, Taniryah, Tamiah, Talayah and Avian. A host of neices, nephews, cousins and friends. A dear friend of 57 years, Mrs. Gertrude Johnson, a close friend of 50 years, “Baby Sis”, Mrs. Pearl King and Mrs. Linda Washington Green, a friend of 20 plus years.

    Shirley graduated from Huntington High School in 1960. She began working for the Naval Weapons Station and with her husband, Willie started her family. She had three children; a girl that died at birth and two sons, Ricky and Bobby Green.

    She married a second time after the death of Willie to Thomas Boddie. They had a son, Thomas Boddie, Jr. Tommie died after a brief illness.

    She has been married to her current husband, Horace Cherry for over 30 years. Horace became her care taker when she initially became ill.

    Shirley was a fun loving, compassionate, outgoing individual. She loved to travel, dance & play cards. She also loved her family; she was a care provider when members of her family became ill. She took care of her mother, sister and son.

    She was active with her church, St. Paul A.M.E. and was involved in church activities since the age of six. She was a member of the Women’s Usher Board and an honorary member of The Tidewaters Usher Board; she was active until her health began failing.

   In September 1993 Shirley retired from the Naval Defense Distribution Depot. She began her employment with the Naval Supply Center in September 1973. She worked diligently in the Packing/Material Department. She received numerous citations for the contributions she made. She stated the highlight of her career was, being a line leader and working with the deaf and hearing impaired employees. She said, “they were the best workers, never late and they were proud of their work.”

    Shirley’s death has been devastating to our family. She was the Matriarch; the Glue that held everyone together. It was extremely difficult to watch her health steadily decline. She never complained about being ill. She would say sometimes, “ my legs are bothering me today” or “ I can’t walk today”. She loved the rain and would sit by the door to watch it, if she couldn’t sit in the car. She was positive and would tell you, “ I’m going to drive when I get better” or “we’re going to South Carolina soon for another Family Reunion.” Oh yea, did she ever love getting her hair and scalp scratched.

   We’ve all loved you immensely through out the years; in all of your many roles. You’ve been the best daughter, sister, wife, sister in-law, Mother, grandmother, great grandmother, Aunt, cousin & friend. Always supportive, loving, compassionate and available.

   We thank the Lord for giving you to us. May you Rest In Peace. With Love Forever.

                             YOUR FAMILY

Services for Mrs. Shirley Cherry will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at St. Paul AME Church, 2500 Chestnut Ave, Newport News, VA, 23607 by Dr. Cross.

Interment will follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens.

A viewing for Mrs. Shirley Cherry will be held from noon until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at C.C. Carter Funeral Home, Inc.

It is the desire of the Cherry family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of the late Mrs. Shirley Cherry has entrusted her final care to the staff at C.C. Carter Funeral Home, Inc.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mrs. Shirley Cherry, please visit our floral store.