Wilma Jean Cherry

Wilma Jean Cherry (98) of Little Rock, AR passed away Monday, March 2, 2015. Her life brought joy to many, especially her family. As an active member of St. Luke UMC, she took every opportunity to serve her Lord, the Church, and others. She was family and friends oriented and enjoyed bridge, reading, crossword puzzles and travel. As a teacher and counselor, she affected many student lives. Jean was born December 16, 1916 to Homer and Maymie Herring in McRae, AR. She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Forrest Hardy Cherry, Sr., her son Hardy Cherry, Jr., her parents, and sisters Sarah Price and Lottie Mae Herring. She is survived by her daughter Frances Buercklin (John) of Cabot, AR and her son, Homer Cherry (Cheri) of Alexander, AR and daughter-in-law Jayna Cherry of Orem, Utah, 11 grandchildren: Nancy Thomas (Daren) of Nashville, TN, Frank Buercklin (Nancy) of Murphy, TX, Tami Eubank (David) of Houston, TX, Beth McKamy (Todd) of Clearwater, FL, David Cherry (Nikki) of Rochester, NY and Tim Cherry, of Benton, AR, Hardy Cherry III (Bethany) of Lehi, UT, Jennifer Bennion (Doug) of Gainesville, FL, Cindy Cherry, Thom Cherry, and William Cherry of Orem, UT, 11 Great-grandchildren: Seth and A.J. Thomas, Joshua, Lydia, Samuel and Anna Kate Buercklin, Corbin Cherry, McKenzie Cherry, Amanda, Donovan and Martin Bennion. Jean graduated from McRae, AR High School in 1933, attended Ouachita two years and graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1943 (Bachelor of Science) and in 1968 (Masters in Education and Counseling). She taught Chemistry and Biology at Central High and was a counselor at Mabelvale Jr. High and Joe T. Robinson High School for many years, retiring in 1979. She was a member of the National and Arkansas Education Associations. After living 51 years in Broadmoor, she moved to Pleasant Hills Retirement Center and later to Cabot Nursing and Rehabilitation. The family is grateful for the kind and loving attention she received in both places. Visitation will be March 6, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Healey and Roth at 5800 W 12th St. in Little Rock. The service will be March 7, at l0:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at Beebe City Cemetery in Beebe, AR. Memorials may be sent to St. Luke UMC at 6401 W. 32nd St. Little Rock, AR 72204, Children's Hospital, or to a charity of your choice.