Shirley Cherry-Ball

SHIRLEY CHERRY-BALL Wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, Shirley Mae Cherry-Ball, 62, of Las Vegas, passed away April 29, 2014. She was born Sept. 11, 1951, in Monroe, La., and was a poker room supervisor at the Luxor Hotel and Casino. Shirley was a faithful member of Second Baptist Church, where she was actively involved in two choirs. She recently received her certificate of graduation from the Second Baptist School of Evangelism. Shirley was lively, energetic and full of love and laughter. She was a loving wife, of 14 years, to Larry Ball. Visitation will be 2-7 p.m. Thursday, May 8, at Palm Mortuary, 1325 N. Main St. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 9, at Second Baptist Church, 500 W. Madison. Burial following, at Palm Memorial Park.

On September 11, 1951, God picked a flower from his garden and sent it to earth. Shirley Cherry was a rare flower that was created to impact the lives of many and add beauty and grace to the world. And that, she did! Shirley was born to the union of Rosella Shelley-Cherry and Willie L. Cherry of Monroe, LA. She was the 7th child and baby girl of 8 children. In 1965, Shirley moved to Las Vegas, Nevada to live with her sister Norma Cherry, who nurtured her into adulthood and through the trials of life. One day, she met the love of her life and soul mate, Larry Ball. They were married on September 9, 2000. From that moment forward, Shirley began to live life anew. Her spirit was renewed and Shirley's life was a living testimony of God's grace, mercy, and favor.

As a young girl, Shirley loved clothes. She learned to sew and designed all of her doll clothes from any piece of fabric she found—even if it meant cutting up her brother's and sister's clothes. This love of fashion she carried with her for the rest of her life. Shirley loved to shop and collect African figurines with which she decorated her entire home from ceiling to floor. Shirley has a whopping 7 closets adorned with the finest and latest fashions, purses, sunglasses, scarves, hats, jewelry, and the shoes with the matching handbags. Shirley was one classy lady! But for as much as she received, she gave. Shirley knew she was blessed and lived to serve God, His people, and her family whom she gave her all.

Shirley attended Lincoln Elementary School in Monroe, LA and graduated from Western High School of Las Vegas, NV. Her caring disposition led her to Community College of Southern Nevada where she attended courses to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. She worked in several care facilities before joining the gaming industry as one of the finest poker dealers. She took the hotel industry by storm and was in high demand. She worked at the Stardust, Dunes, Caesar's Palace, Mirage, and The World Series of Poker at Binion's Horseshoe as well as several other poker tournaments throughout Las Vegas. She was the premiere and preferred poker dealer of Las Vegas, Nevada. Shirley also worked for the Salvation Army. For the past 7 years, Shirley worked at the Luxor Hotel as a poker room supervisor, which was perfect because Shirley loved to be the boss. She took pride in being the best in everything she did!

Shirley accepted Christ and was baptized at the tender age of 7. She grew up in church and was under the leadership of several Pastors of Second Baptist Church including Rev. Joseph L. Jefferson, Rev. Willie Davis, and presently Pastor D. Edward Chaney. Shirley loved the Lord and desired to serve Him in all she did. She was a member of the Women's Choir and Cathedral Choir and recently earned her certification as an Evangelist from the Second Baptist Church School of Evangelism. Her heart felt bedside ceremony acknowledging her achievement gave her great joy and a sense of accomplishment.

Shirley's precious memory will be forever cherished by her husband Larry Ball, one daughter Melanie Cherry of Las Vegas, NV and two sons, Kaldin Ball and Larry Ball of Olympia, Washington; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren whom she adored; two sisters, Norma Cherry and Dorothy Cherry; three brothers, Walter Cherry (Johnnie), John Cherry all of Las Vegas, NV and Alfred Piper (Regina) of Milwaukee, WI; two of her special nieces and caregivers Stephanie Weatherspoon (Michael) and Elisa McCall; two of her closest friends Barbara Ann and Mimi all of Las Vegas, NV. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, coworkers and friends. Preceding Shirley in death are her parents Rosella Cherry-Jamerson and Willie L. Cherry and brothers George McCoy, Jr. and Horace Cherry. Shirley expressed her love and appreciation for all throughout her final days. She professed daily that she lived a good life and was at peace because God was in control and she knew she had a place in heaven. Shirley will be truly missed and forever loved by all.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Downtown Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.