Mrs.  Christine  was a very, very  good  mom always working  hard, and she inspired me because she kept her kids in the house and I loved to go to their house , because she always had books everywhere.   I saw that she made sure my friend Shan and her siblings got their education; with all those books!!!!  
And I  LOVED the way she took care of her kids,  By  the   way  her  name  is  Mrs. Christine;  A loving MOM.
Tonya Robinson

When I first met Mrs. Chris Shan myself and her, we were going to Excelsior classes one day a week for four hours. We would drive about a hour discussing the things of life and our jobs seeing that we all were LPN's. We were striving to become RN's. She was the calmest and informative person I had met; she could answer almost any question pertaining to nursing. She taught me a lot during that long drive to school.  I loved her from the beginning I met her; I started calling her mama Chris. I remember her saying you will get it, never give up.  I have not given up yet.

Stacey Lewis

Christine "Teen" was a very unique, rare individual that I believe; felt that she had a deep sense of obligation to care for people-especially the elderly. I'm sure that's the reason for her entering the nursing field. Fulfilling what all of us in the human family should be striving for-to help our fellow man.

Thank you 
Francenia Wilkins, her sister

 MY FRIEND CHRISTINE CHEAVES
When reflecting on the life of Christine, the first thing comes to mind is when I 
first saw her, as a young teenager walking very fast down 24th Street, where she lived, in Sarasota, 
Florida. She always appeared to be on a mission, taking care of her business. At first site I knew she was new to the area. Over the days, weeks, months, and years, I saw that young teenager develop into a strong young lady. Chris, as I called her, she seemed to have been very independent, and eager to better her life. I remember when she enrolled in School to become a nurse. She did not have transportation of her own, but she, never let that stop her. I saw her walking, and using the public transportation system to get back and forth to the places she needed to go. As time passed she became a nurse and she purchased her first car. I remember being so happy to see her standing on her faith and making positive decisions for her life. 
In the late 1970's, I really came to know Christine. We began to spend time together and I grew to know the true person behind that big smile, I learned where her anchor was and who she depended on to get her through her challenges. I would see her on Sundays going to Osprey Avenue Church Of Christ.  Chris was a very loving and kind Christian woman, willing to help those people who would allow her to help them. Chris didn't keep her knowledge to herself she was always reaching out to others.  When my mother was 58 years old, she decided to go back to school. Chris encouraged her and I will always thank God for the time He allowed us to be together. She helped me when my mother was very ill. Even though she worked late nights, she found time to spend with my Mother and me before going to work. 
I'm thankful to God for the time He allowed us to be together. I know it was God's will for me to see Chris in her last days. I was out of town keeping my granddaughter when I learned of her illness. I told her daughter, Shane, that I was on my way home that day. When I arrived, she shared her faith in God, wisdom, and love for my family and I before she passed. I will always be grateful to God for that opportunity.
In closing, to her family, your mother was a strong, loving, Christian woman, who wanted the 
 same for her children. She worked hard and trusted God to enable her to teach each of you to live the life God requires you to live. She lead you to Christ, and took you to church on Sundays, and demanded that her children to do the right things in life. She taught you to love, by showing love to you. She taught you to be responsible (you always had one, two, or more pets), to be independent (by helping you and encouraging each of you to get a degree or certification in a field you chose) in order to be qualified to hold a job and support yourself. Christine's life on earth is no longer, however her leading you to God, her big smile, love showed to her family, and wisdom can always be in each of your hearts and minds. With this alone you can fulfill the life she desired for you.  
With Loving memories,
Deborah Robinson Lawton

 Letter for his Mother:
Sometimes it's easier to write your thoughts down than it is to say them.  And, the fact of being a closed person doesn't help.  It's been a long hard struggle these past few years.  With my beautiful Mother fighting with cancer. I understand your decision, but it doesn't make it any easier.  You have only deserved the best and you didn't deserve this.  It hasn't been anything you have done to inflect this upon yourself. . . .so why is this happening to you.  Now there's things we haven't done.  I thought I gave you a grand baby, but we all know that was short lived.  My mother is the best woman I have ever known; the sweetest, the nicest and she always knew what to say or what to do, when....I appreciate everything you have done for me in my past 33 years of being your son.  I have been  so lucky.  But yet blessed to have had all this time well spent.  You have taught me so much.  Only one thing that will bother me is when the day does come for me to have that son or daughter, that my child will never get to meet such a beautiful person like you, mom.  The pain that I feel is unbearable to know that the only parent I have had will be gone. But I know you still watch over me. I you

Heartfelt Sympathy to the Husband, Family and Friends of Chris. May God bless and give you peace knowing that now shes home free, no more pain, no more tears,no more suffering.Chris is now walking with our Lord, her legacy as a wife, mother, nurse, friend and co-worker will be forever in our hearts. We are eternally Sisters in Christ our Lord and Savior...

My prayers and best wishes go out to the whole family.  I had the great pleasure of working with Chris at Bay Village for many years. She had a kind and loving soul and Bay Village and the whole world are better places because she was in them. She made a positive difference in many people's lives, including mine. I wish you all the peace of the Lord's blessings at this time in your lives. I know she is an angel in Heaven now, watching over us all.

To Thaddus and family, we keep you close in our thoughts and prayer. Much love, James Rue and sister Patricia Smith Muhammad

My condolences on your loss. My God give you strength in the days ahead.

My heart and prayers go out to shan Tracie and mike I love you guys...

Praying for the family you have my deepest sympathy.

Sister Cheaves, Thank you for sharing your love; and thank you for passing the torch to your loved one. To the family, we love you and our prayers are with you.

OBITUARY

Christine Spencer Cheaves

August 2, 1948 – May 5, 2014

Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Manasota Memorial Park

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