Cheryl Leigh Lancaster Hitt

Cheryl Leigh Lancaster Hitt, 76, passed away on August 26, 2024, in Birmingham, Alabama, where she was born on February 19, 1948. A devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Alabaster, she cherished her church community and the friendships she made there.

Cheryl attended Shades Cahaba for her primary education and graduated from Berry High School, both in Birmingham. She furthered her studies at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, and Troy University in Troy, Alabama. Her career was diverse and fulfilling, shaped significantly by her time with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), a role she deeply loved and often shared “captivating” stories about. Her work life was vibrant due to frequent relocations necessitated by her husband's Air Force career.

Beyond her professional life, Cheryl was passionate about cooking and art, hobbies that brought joy not only to her but also to those around her. She was an active participant at the Senior Activity Center in Alabaster, where she was well-loved by both peers and staff.

Cheryl is survived by her brother Danny Lancaster and his wife Patti, and her estranged daughter, Kimberly Penrose. She was preceded in death by her parents, Buel L. and Mary K. Lancaster, and her grandparents, Raymond and Alma Lancaster, and Hugh and Ernestine Bowen.

A special thanks for the staff at Shelby Ridge Health & Rehab in Alabaster. They were more than staff; they were like family. They were wonderful. Also, a loving thanks to her roommate Ms. Dulce Robinson and her special friend Patricia Bradberry who added much joy to her stay. Also, enough cannot be said about the precious friendship and love from Renee and J.B. Brown.

A funeral service will be held at Elmwood Chapel Funeral home in the Celebration Chapel in Birmingham, Alabama, on Friday, August 30, 2024, at 10:00 A.M., conducted by Pastor Matthew Ingram. A burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery where Cheryl will be laid to rest with her family.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the National MS Society Memorial Funds or the First Presbyterian Church of Alabaster, Alabama.

The arrangements are being handled by John's Ridouts - Elmwood Chapel Funeral Home in Birmingham, Alabama. Cheryl's life was marked by her dedication to her work, love for her community, and the enduring connections she made throughout her journey. She will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.