Mother Josephine Cherry's Obituary
Mother Josephine Cherry was born June 28, 1932 to parents, Excell McKenly & Victoria Grier in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her mother would later, meet and marry Noble Augusta Derr. Josephine was their only child.Early in life, Josphine accepted Christ as her personal Saviour. Josephine was reared in North Carolina, but in her Junior year, attended school in Hawaii. She came back to North Carolina and graduated from high school.Upon completing her formal education, Josephine met and married Albert Lee Cherry, November 16, 1957. To their union, five children were born and raised. She was known to loved ones and friends as “Mama Cherry”.The Cherry family relocated to San Diego, CA in 1962. Mama Cherry worked as a Store Clerk for over 33 years. She’ll always be known as Ms.Cherry from Thrifty, “The Ice Cream lady”.Mama Cherry was a very active member in the community and received accolades and recognition for her service, including a special Commendation Award for Community Activism and the President’s Call to Service Award from President Barack Obama.She also enjoyed spending time with her family and her dog Spunky, who was her “number one companion”.Mama Cherry was like a tree planted by the river and “A Virtuous Woman of God”. She illustrated love gentleness and the compassion of a dove. She was a source of support, wisdom and comfort to many and represented life to all. Her unique smile and spunkiness will always be remembered As well as her generosity with peppermint candies. As we bid farewell, let us remember her zealousness and what she stood for as we fulfill her legacy.Mother Cherry’s lay-over here on earth lasted 84 years. She was preceded in death by parents great grandson, Nyzell LeSean Derr and cousin Gwen D. Ross.On Monday, February 6, 2017 at 310pm, Mother Cherry peacefully boarded her flight and departed this life. She was surrounded by Heaven’s Angels and her loving family.Until we meet again, may God keep you in his arms. We know this is not good-bye, but We’ll see you on the other side.Those left to meet again include her loving husband of 59 years, Albert Lee Cherry, Sr., Son, Albert Cherry, Jr. Daughters, Patty A. Allen, Vickie Cherry-Dunn (Robin V, Dunn), Wendy E. Cherry and Joanne L. Derr, God-daughter, Bridgette Carlisle 11 grandchildren, 28 grandchildren and a host relatives and friends
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