ForeverMissed
Large image
Her Life

Epilogue

August 16, 2013

In a time when life expectancy is 80 years or older, a death at 70 seems so young.  Cherrie faced her trial with great resolve and courage.  Confident in her relationship with God and her spirituality, she really went without fear "into that dark night."  

Ecclesiastes says that everything in this life is "chasing after the wind."  The only things that matter are the relationships; with God, with family, and with friends.  Cherrie was never alone in her final days.  Unselfishly, friends and family left jobs and families to be by her side and to offer comfort and support, but most of all love.  That's the best tribute of all to a life well-lived.  God bless you, Cherrie.  Your memory will be cherished.

Home Stretch

August 16, 2013

Finally we reach the last stage of Cherrie's all too short life.  Plans to move to Charleston with Lisa and her family were destroyed as Cherrie discovered that she had pancreatic cancer in the spring of 2013.  An original treatment for diabetes led to the grim diagnosis.  A battle with pain that lasted a little under four months ended with Cherrie leaving us for a time to return home.

Later Years

August 16, 2013

Eventually, the marriage ended in divorce.  Leaving Tampa for Spartanburg where Lisa, her oldest daughter lived, Cherrie again built a fulfilling life. 

She continued to practice Interior Design successfully, but on a smaller scale and taught at the local Vocational School.  She was always proud of her students and enjoyed this time very much.  Cherrie also volunteered with local museums and charities, including United Way and Christmas In Action.

Cherrie spent a lot of time with Lisa, Ron, and her grandchildren in Spartanburg partying on their patio. Cynthia visited also, especially during the Hootenannies. Cherrie frequently went to Ted's house to attend parties or see a show.  She even made trips across the country to California to visit Rachel and her family there.

While at home Cherrie spent quiet time on her patio, under her pergola watching birds, reading and relaxing, when she wasn't meeting with friends for lunch dates or visiting an art show.  She always took great pride in the design of her home, yard, and especially her rain garden.  Always adventurous, Cherrie travelled to wonderful places, including Ireland and Greece and generally lived it up!

 

Adulthood

August 16, 2013

Even bigger changes were in store for Cherrie as she survived the teens to become an adult.  She married Ted Seman who was a forester for Union Camp in Georgia from Pennsylvania.  Ted soon became an agent for the FBI and built a long career. Duty tours in San Antonio, Sarasota and Tampa added variety along with four beautiful children, Lisa, Cynthia, Ted Jr. and Rachel to their lives.

While in Tampa, Cherrie became a highly regarded Interior Designer, a trade she would practice for the rest of her life.  She received wide recognition, claiming all nine of the top awards, for a "Street of Dreams" home that she decorated.  She always had an appreciation for things of beauty, be they art or literature.

Growing up

August 16, 2013

As Cherrie turned into a young woman, she attended Savannah High School where she was featured as one of the beauties for prom. Her prom gown was a very special gift her father worked hard to buy for her and she looked stunning in it.

As a child of the 50's, Cherrie had an almost historic opportunity to see Elvis on one of his earliest tours.  Only problem was she arrived at the Savannah Civic Center without the coveted ticket.  Enter Daddy, her hero.  In spite of the fact that one ticket was a strain on the finances at the time, he bought her another.  He couldn't see his Punkin disappointed.  Cherrie loved Elvis all her life.

Not many people know this but when high school drew to a close Cherrie attended Cosmetology School to become a licensed cosmetologist.  She pursued another career path, but always enjoyed looking her best.

Starting Again

August 16, 2013

New beginnings in Savannah gave a beautiful little girl the opportunity to do the normal things that you would expect; going to school, learning the piano, occasionally doing something special, like being a flower girl.

Getting Started

August 16, 2013

Cherrie's grandfather, Charles Clinton Blankenship was a jeweler, watchmaker and optometrist in Swainsboro.  Grandfather helped Osmon set up a jewelry and watch making business in Metter.  Things were good until World War II came along and took Daddy into the Marines.  While he was away, Daddy would write letters and postcards faithfully to his little Punkin.  After the war he came home to pick up the pieces of civilian life.  Falling on hard times, the business was lost and the family moved to Savannah looking for a brighter future.  By this time there was a 2 year old little brother, Glenn, along for the ride.

Beginnings

August 16, 2013

Everyone's story begins at birth.  Cherrie was born on December 26, 1942 to Osmon and Erma Jones. The family lived in Metter, GA, a small town of about 4,000 people, located 60 miles west of Savannah.  Metter makes the claim that "Everything's Better in Metter".  And it must be – Cherrie was born there!