Cheryl Ann Gysbers

Cheryl was born in Columbia on May 25, 1956, to Howard and Lucille Pemberton. She grew up in Columbia, graduated from Hickman High School, and earned a bachelor’s in education at the University of Missouri.

On June 26, 1982, she was united in marriage to David Charles Gysbers, who preceded her in death on April 27, 2001.

For 30 years, Cheryl taught Special Education at Harrisburg High School; her patience and compassion were unending. She loved teaching, but her favorite role was being a mother and grandmother. She was incredibly proud of Justin’s military service and Melissa’s drive to further her education. Cheryl always looked forward to spending time with her grandchildren and cherished the time spent baking cookies around the holidays. She was an extraordinary grandmother who was actively involved in their lives and attended many of their sporting and school events. Cheryl enjoyed rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs, especially Travis Kelce. She was also close with her siblings, particularly her twin sister Carol, who she spoke with on the phone almost daily (sometimes multiple times a day).

Cheryl will be deeply missed by her children Melissa Mahurin (Chad) and Justin Gysbers; grandchildren, Kinsley and Keaton Mahurin; siblings, William Pemberton (Patricia), Gary Pemberton (Jeanie), Brenda Amend, and Carol Shafer (Bill); as well as a host of other family members and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Cheryl is preceded in death by her brother, Larry Pemberton, mother-in-law Mary Lou Gysbers, brother-in-law Gene Amend, and brother-in-law Brion Landes.

Friends will be received on Friday, August 2, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia. The funeral service will immediately follow at 12:00 PM, with interment taking place at Memorial Park Cemetery, where Cheryl will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.