Cheryl Ann Jousma

On April 1, 2025, Cheryl Ann Jousma went home to Heaven, surrounded by the love of her family. She passed peacefully, but much too soon, leaving behind a life full of strength and fierce love for the people who mattered most to her. Born on August 19, 1957, Cheryl lived with grit, heart, and a no-nonsense spirit that never wavered despite many challenges throughout her life.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Mary Jean Frierson; stepfather, Brandon Frierson; father, Richard Lawrence; brother, Phillip Lawrence; sister-in-law, Margo Lawrence; and nephew, Joey Lawrence.

Cheryl is survived by her husband and best friend, Michael Jousma, and her daughters: LeAnn Davies (Mike), Angie Bookie (Chad), Rickey Chase (Brent), Amanda Jousma, and Nicole Cushman (Sean). She was an incredibly proud grandma to Danielle Davies, Trisha Panone, Tyler Davies, Gabe Gardner, Jade Neering, Brayden Wisdom, Camden Contreras, Jett Aldrich, Finn Aldrich, Harlow Miller, Harper Keith, Hailey Cushman, and Devin Cushman and a loving great-grandma to Samuel Panone and Violet Contreras.

She also leaves behind her six brothers and one sister, whom she loved dearly: Rick Lawrence, Joe Lawrence (wife Holly), Mike Lawrence (wife Darlene), Dennis Lawrence (partner Tina), John Lawrence, and Gina Chappa (husband Kevin). Cheryl often shared stories of her childhood, growing up in a large family with many brothers and the adventures they shared. You had to speak up to be heard in a house like that, and Cheryl never had a problem doing just that.

She graduated from Creston High School in Grand Rapids and spent much of her 20s and 30s working at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, where she formed lifelong friendships and created cherished memories. She later worked at Van Andel Arena and eventually retired from Michigan Coating in 2021.

Cheryl loved traveling with her husband, Mike, especially on their unforgettable trip to Ireland and out west to explore national landmarks. Michigan’s up-north summers and crisp fall weekends were her favorite getaways, especially in the fall, her favorite season. At home, you’d find her curled up with her dogs, watching a football game or crime documentaries, or cooking comfort meals for Mike. Cheryl also loved preparing family meals during the holidays, which her family will sorely miss. She had a love for antiques, garage sales, and finding the kind of treasures most people would overlook.

Cheryl had the best laugh, a great sense of humor, and a will to get through some tough times in her life, and everyone who knew her respected and loved her for exactly who she was. Her love for her family and friends was constant. Cheryl showed up for her people in the ways that mattered most, and her presence will be missed in more ways than words can say. She’ll be remembered with laughter, love, and stories that her family and friends will cherish and share for years to come.

A memorial service for Cheryl will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. The family will welcome guests one hour prior to the start of the service. A luncheon will be served after the service, also at the funeral home.