"Have faith in God." – Mark 11:22

With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we celebrate the life of Claudette Ann Cherry, who was called home on April 17, 2026.

Claudette was born on July 1, 1955, in Chesterfield, Virginia, to the late John and Martha Sydnor. Her life was a reflection of faith, love, and devotion to others.

She faithfully served at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Chester, Virginia, from 1981 to 2008, dedicating her time to the choir, usher board, hospitality ministry, scholarship board, and Trustee ministry. In 2009, she continued her walk of faith at Second Baptist Church, where she served on the missionary board, seniors ministry, and participated in noon day Bible study. Her faith was not just something she believed—it was something she lived every day.

If you knew Claudette, you knew love.

She was a fighter, a nurturer, and a source of light. Even in difficult times, she showed courage and grace that inspired everyone around her. She was the kind of person who made everyone feel like family. Whether through her comforting words, her prayers, or the way she showed up for people during life's hardest moments, she left an unforgettable mark.

She walked through life with grace, trusting God even in difficult times. Her faith was her foundation, and she shared that strength with everyone around her. She was a source of encouragement and strength to many—always offering support, love, and thoughtful gestures like cards for birthdays, holidays, and times when people needed it most.

She loved bringing people together. From cookouts to holiday gatherings, her home was filled with warmth, laughter, and joy.

Claudette cherished her close-knit circle of friends, affectionately known as "The Golden Girls," a name she lovingly gave them. What began as fellow church members grew into a beautiful sisterhood. They would often gather for lunch, celebrating each other's birthdays together and continuing the fun at the Cherry home with games and laughter. Even after a full meal, Claudette would still bring out more food—always a generous and gracious hostess. They shared countless moments of joy, but most of all, they supported one another through life's ups and downs with love and care.

Claudette shared a beautiful and enduring love story with her husband of 44 years, Bobbie Cherry, her devoted husband and partner. Together, they built a life full of love, faith, devotion, and partnership.

Her greatest joy was her family. She was a proud and loving mother and grandmother who adored her granddaughters, Delanie and Kennedy. She found so much happiness in spending time with them—doing arts and crafts, helping them learn and grow, and simply enjoying fun, meaningful moments together that created lasting memories. She once shared, "My grandkids help me to find things—my joy, my laugh, and my get up and go."

Claudette was preceded in death by her parents, John and Martha Sydnor; her sister, Joan Gregory; and her brothers, John Sydnor, Jr., Joseph Sydnor, Jerry Sydnor, and Warren Sydnor.

Those left to celebrate her life and cherish her memories are: her devoted husband, Bobbie Cherry; devoted daughter, Shavon Keys  (Telly) of Chester; one stepdaughter, Marquita Leake of Richmond; her granddaughters, Delanie Keys and Kennedy Keys; bonus granddaughter, Malai Keys; three sisters, Fredonia Miller of Richmond, Fatima Jones (Elder Calvin) of North Dinwiddie, and Gale Yates Sydnor of Chester. Through marriage she was blessed with several brothers and sisters-in-law, Nathaniel Cherry (Judy) of Dinwiddie, Viola Jones and Virginia Friend of Chester, Janet Cherry of Hopewell and Richard Cherry (Sharmeyne) of Prince George; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who will carry her love forward.

Though we grieve her loss, we find comfort in knowing she is no longer in pain and is now resting peacefully in the presence of the Lord.

"Well done, thy good and faithful servant."

Services will be held 10:00 A.M., Monday, April 27, 2026, at Second Baptist Church, 5100 W. Hundred Road, Chester, VA, the Rev. Johnnie Fleming, Jr., Pastor, eulogist. The interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.