Cheryl Lavonne Williams

Life Reflections

Cheryl Lavonne Williams was born July 21, 1950 in Kansas City, Kansas.  She was the eldest of seven children born to the union of Emmett, Jr. and Thelma "Wimp" Williams.  Her parents, one brother, Emmett, III "Duke" and one sister, Carla M. Smith preceded her in death.

"Em" as she was also affectionately known as, was a lifelong Rosedale resident.  She was educated in the Kansas City, Kansas School District and graduated from Rosedale High School. Cheryl went on to attend Pittsburg State University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education.  She became employed with the Kansas City, Kansas Unified School District and returned to her Rosedale roots as a student teacher at Frank Rushton Elementary School. Her career as an educator spanned nearly 40 years, inspiring young kindergarten minds at William Allen White and Quindaro Elementary Schools for most of those years before joining the Kansas City, Missouri School District shortly before retirement.

She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by Rev. Otis Lloyd at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. She later united with St. Paul AME Zion Church, where she remained active until her passing.  Cheryl loved her church home and her church family.  She sang in the choir and looked forward to weekly bible study and prayer meetings.   She also loved to assist her sister in Christ, Cathi Johnson with Children’s Church.  She shared a special bond with Mrs. Lillie Greer, whom she called her "angel".  Mrs. Greer dutifully provided Cheryl with transportation to church activities, exercise class and doctors appointments.  She was an ongoing source of encouragement and support for Cheryl.

November 28, 1981, she and Roy Pierson welcomed a son, Sean-Michael Thomas Williams, into the world.  Sean-Michael was the light of Cheryl’s life.  She loved him dearly and subsequently, his children; her grandchildren whom she adored.  Shirley as she was also known, was a beautiful person with a beautiful spirit.  Her quirky ways like washing her hands so much she nearly washed her fingerprints away, drove her family and friends crazy but also endeared her to them.  Aunt Squirrely as she was dubbed by her nephew Lee, was loved by all and will be dearly missed.

She leaves to cherish her memory one son, Sean-Michael Thomas Williams (Ruth), Kansas City, Kansas; one brother, Reginald K. Williams (Linda), Mankato, Minnesota; sisters, Glennetta L. James (Lee) and Kimberly D. Dyer, Kansas City, Kansas; Gina D. Howard (Roy), Walls, Mississippi; grandchildren, Jade-Lauren; Jazavel; Annessa; Sean-Michael, Jr.; Abrianna; Adrian; Julian, Kansas City, Kansas; Bonus Mom, Hellene Moore; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and special friends Debra Allen and Mary Moore.

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