Inez H. Cherry

Inez H. Cherry was born June 12, 1915, the daughter of Claude T. and Rosa Gunn Hutson. She married Thomas Cherry Sr., who was the father of two children, Gwendolyn Cherry Marks and Thomas “Slick” Cherry Jr., whom she loved and cherished as her own.

She died December 16, 2012. A celebration of her life will be held today, Dec. 20, at 11 a.m. at Springfield Baptist Church, 837 Hillsboro Street, Monticello. Rev. Jimmy Horton will officiate; burial will be in South View Cemetery.

Mrs. Cherry’s husband and children preceded her in death.

She was educated in the Cobb County school system. She joined Springfield Baptist Church upon her arrival in Jasper County. She was employed as a domestic and held this type of position until her retirement.

Mrs. Cherry lived her life with dignity and courage. She was the light and love of many families. She displayed a quiet strength that gave courage to her family and friends. Mrs. Cherry was a resident of the Monticello Retreat Nursing Home for the past several years where she was a delight to all who came in contact with her. Her quick wit and famous smile were infectious.

In her love for her family she never wavered, and was always there for them. Mrs. Cherry was famous for her baking skills and every special occasion her family and friends could depend on getting that “Inez special—caramel cake,” which literally would melt in your mouth. She loved and cared for the children in the Blue Ruin neighborhood and became affectionately known as the “neighborhood mom!”

Mrs. Cherry was quick to say, with a smile and much pride, “Look at all these grands and great-grands that God has blessed me with, and I never had to bear a pain.”

Mrs. Cherry served as president of the Pastor Aide Club, was a member of the missionary board where she served joyfully in the Madison Missionary Convention and a member of the Springfield mother’s board. She held these positions until her health failed her.

Survivors include her sister, Rachel Wharton of Marietta; six granddaughters, Jacqueline Bell-Smith of Monticello, Ethel M. Jones and Margaret Gilmore of Covington, Loraine Pitts of Columbus, Donna and Sharon Cherry, both of Boston, Mass., and one grandson, Enrichie Jackson in the U.S. Navy, and a number of other relatives and friends.

Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Monticello, is in charge of arrangements.