Cheryl Jeanne Pena entered into eternal rest on Monday, October 14, 2024 at a hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. She was born on December 6, 1952 to James Charles Russell and Willie Ann Zimmerman Russell in Falfurrias, Texas and was blessed with 71 years of life. Cheryl was a very enthusiastic teacher for over 33 years before her retirement. She began her teaching career in Rockport and Fulton teaching kindergarten and 2nd-3rd graders. After about 8 years she transferred to Premont ISD for the remainder of her career where she loved engaging with the youth of the community and making sure to teach them how to be good people and not only academics. She loved her students like they were her own children and throughout her lifetime would take on the motherly role of many of her children’s friends. She constantly thought of her students and the education she could provide them to make them successful, independent individuals. She devotedly cared for all of them as they touched her life in so many ways.
Being the sweet, kind, generous, spirited and selfless person Cheryl was, she always wanted to support and contribute to the community and her faith. She dedicated many years as a Catechism Teacher where she could also help children know our loving God. Cheryl loved her dogs, sitting on the porch looking out at the farm animals, painting, coloring, drawing, playing her phone games, gardening and above all, spending time with her family.
Cheryl was reunited in Heaven with her parents, James and Willie Ann Russell; parents-in-law, Emilio Pena and Guadalupe Perez Pena and her sister-in-law, Janie Pena. Although God’s plan never allowed her to meet her only grandchild, A.J. Cadena, in this life, they are definitely together now, hand and hand, in the next.
Surviving Cheryl are her husband, Roberto Pena of Falfurrias; son, Robert Charles Pena of Falfurrias; daughter, Gina (Adan Cadena) Pena of Corpus Christi, Texas; brother, Michael James (Catherine) Russell of Karnes City, Texas; sister, Marianne (Stefan) Vogt of Georgetown, Texas; brothers-in-law, Jose E. Pena of San Antonio, Texas and Ricardo Pena of Falfurrias; former sisters-in-law whom she loved very much;12 nieces and nephews; her pet dogs, Bailey and Bosco and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews and extended family members.
Rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at the Funeraria Del angel Howard Williams with Visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Services will conclude with a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Falfurrias.
