Mr. Sylvester Cherry Sr.

Sylvester Cherry, Sr. was born on May 25, 1925, to the union of Henry Preston Cherry, Sr., and Willie Mae Freeman in Anniston, Alabama. Preston and Willie Mae raised a family of 12 children. Sylvester received his basic education in Anniston, Alabama. He enlisted in the United States Army and served in World War \I and was honorably discharged. On the 29th day of June 1947, Sylvester Cherry was united in holy matrimony with Clara Roberta Bell in Kansas City, Missouri. They moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1953. Their union was blessed with five children-two sons: Sylvester, Jr. and Robert, Sr.; three beautiful daughters: Phyllis, Renita, and Pamela. In recent years, Sylvester adopted a dear son, Lue Hughes. Sylvester accepted Christ as his personal Savior in 1972; he was a charter member of Northside Church of God for 43 years. As a member, he was a faithful servant who always served God with a smile. He will always be remembered by his famous quote, "If you don't have a smile, I'll give you mine." Sylvester faithfully served in many capacities at the church: as janitor, the van driver, an usher, a singer in the men's choir, and a server at Sunrise Service breakfasts. He visited the sick and shut-ins with his great friend and Pastor, the late Rev. Dr. Sandy L. Johnson. Sylvester faithfully worked many years for the Milwaukee Water Works, and he also was a successful entrepreneur and was very creative. Due to his love for others and wanting them to succeed, he left his legacy of love, wisdom, and strong work ethic to his family and the community abroad. Sylvester (our dad) was a family man, and he lovingly showed that his family was his first priority; he was an excellent provider. He looked forward to spending time with his family; we took numerous fishing trips, drives sight-seeing in the country, attended rodeo and art shows, and watched fireworks at the lakefront. Sylvester Cherry, Sr., departed this life on July 14, 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents: Preston and Willie Mae Cherry; his loving wife of 49 years, Clara R. Cherry; one son, Sylvester Cherry, Jr.; one mother-in-law, Alberta Bell; one daughter-in-law, Margaret Cherry; two sisters, Sylura Woodward and Velva Mallory; four brothers, Walker Cherry, Robert Cherry, Sr., Preston Cherry, Jr., and Herbert Cherry. He leaves to cherish his memory: two sons, Robert L. (Joyce) Cherry, Sr., and Lue (Gainon) Hughes; three daughters, Phyllis A. (Walter) Blount, Renita (John) Matthews, and Pamela (Ricky) Taylor; one daughter in-law, Cathy Cherry; seven grandchildren: Torrance Cherry, Latanya Cherry, Robert (Jennifer) Cherry, Jr., Walter (Ashley) Blount, Jr., Cherie Matthews, Dawn Heibler, and Lynn Hughes; nine great grandchildren; one great, great-grandchild; and a host of other loved ones and friends.

Mr. Sylvester Cherry Sr.

December 29, 1924 - July 14, 2015