LaVerne "Sweet Pea" Cherry Obituary (1933 - 2016)

CHERRY, LaVerne P. "SweetPea", 82, of Richmond, departed this life May 12, 2016. She is preceded in death by her husband John Jesse Cherry, sons Benjamin, Little John, and Kevin Cherry and her niece Ann Taylor. She is survived by her daughters Venetta Simmons (Allen), Deborah Cherry, and Carmen Byars (Kevin*) and sons Keith and Gary Cherry; sister in laws Joyce Taylor and Willie Mae Underdue; devoted God daughter Sheryl Bradford; 21 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, and 3 great, great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends amongst them. LaVerne was educated in Richmond Public Schools and was employed prior to her retirement as a CNA for almost 30 years most recently at the Windsor Nursing Home in West Richmond. She was a dedicated mother that singularly raised her 8 children after her husband suffered a traumatic brain injury from a fall, sending several on to college. She raised her niece and several grandchildren sending them to college, as well. She was a resident of Manor Care in Henrico and served as the president and vice president of the patient advisory board that advocated for senior residents rights; giving voice to their suggestions for care and quality of life. Laverne loved the Lord and will be remembered most as a faithful member of First Baptist Church of South Richmond, a good friend to many with a warm smile, a social butterfly and playful instigator, and BELOVED "Big Mama" to all her grandchildren.. Remains rest at Mimms Funeral Home, 1827 Hull St., where the family will receive friends Tuesday, May 17, 2016 from 6-7 PM and where funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, May 18, 2016. Interment Maury Cemetery.