Cheryl Ann “Cherrie” (Simmons) Martin, 78, of Ashville (formerly of Morgantown), serenely transitioned from this life into the loving embrace of our Lord on Friday, May 10, 2024, at 12:14 a.m. with her devoted daughter, Mindy, and loving sister, Marsha, at her side.
She was born July 12, 1945, in Morgantown to the late William Franklin and Elexia June (Mitchell) Simmons.
Cheryl lived a life adorned with love, compassion and boundless grace. Her gentle spirit and radiant warmth touched the hearts of everyone she encountered. With unwavering strength, she navigated life’s challenges and leaves behind a legacy of resilience and unfailing love.
She completed her education at University High School in Morgantown and later dedicated over three decades to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Columbus, before retiring. She was a lifetime member of the Southern Pines Lions Club and the American Legion Post #144 Ladies Auxiliary.
She was a profoundly cherished mama, sister, memaw, aunt and friend to many. Her happiest moments were spent amidst her family and beloved pets. Among her favorite pastimes was watching movies, with “Dirty Dancing” holding a special place in her heart. She found joy in travel adventures, relished the challenge of crossword/word seeks and jigsaw puzzles and she shared numerous memorable concert experiences with her daughter, Mindy.
An enthusiastic amateur baker, she was renowned for her mouthwatering brownies and irresistible peanut butter fudge. Her passion for all things Elvis Presley was unmistakable, and she eagerly anticipated football season to cheer on her beloved Ohio State Buckeyes and West Virginia Mountaineers.
Cheryl was preceded in death by her loving husband of 32 years, Ralph Randall Martin; her parents, grandparents, Frank and Tacy Mitchell and George and Ora Alice Simmons; infant brother, Larry Keith Simmons; son, Randall Martin; grandson, Jonathan Martin; and her treasured grand-dogs Princess and Sawyer.
Cheryl leaves behind to honor her beautiful memory, her children, Melinda “Mindy” Martin, at home, Charles “Mick” (Jo) Simmons of South Bend, Ind., Kimberly (Dan) McMillan of Melbourne, Fla., Anna (John) Rodriguez of Sulphur Springs, Texas, and Marilyn Martin of Bellefontaine, Ohio; her sisters, Marsha Reynolds of Hilliard, Ohio, Joy (Jim) Statler of Morgantown, and Billie Kucish (Denny) of Core; her grandchildren, Samantha, Chaella, Connor, Zane, Nathan, Travis, Tamara and Chance; great-granddaughter, Sophia; special friend, Ella Mae Seagraves; her grand-dog Poppy; and grand-cats, Gypsy and Macy; several nieces, nephews, cousins; and numerous friends of her children who affectionately called her “Mama Cheryl.”
The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Daniel Gorbett, Dr. Paul Kovach, Dr. William Walker, Dr. Noah Jones, and the compassionate team at VITAS Hospice, with special thanks to Patience, Sue, Christine, Sira and Paris, for their exceptional care and support.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during visitation hours for Cheryl on Thursday, May 16, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at O.R. Woodyard Co., 1346 S. High St., Columbus. Ohio, where funeral services will be held Friday May 17, 2024, with Pastor Bernard Ferrell officiating. Interment will follow at Harrison Township Cemetery in South Bloomfield, Ohio.
