Cheryl Lee

In Remembrance of Ms. Cheryl Lee, who left this world on December 25th, 2023. She was born to Janet Obie and William Merritt on August 22, 1950, in the small town of Donora, Pennsylvania. Fated to lose her mother at a young age of eight, Cheryl was lovingly embraced by her Aunt Shirley Obie, who assumed the motherly role in Cheryl’s life.

Along with her loving father and siblings, Cheryl made the move to Brooklyn, New York in her teens. She would go on to graduate from Samuel Tilden High School. It was at that time that Cheryl found love in Errol Lee. Their union, even though ended in divorce, was blessed with two beautiful children - Errol Lee Jr. and Camee Lee. She would go on to accept Charmany Hill as another daughter. Cheryl would come to terms with an unconventional new dynamic with her ex-husband's new wife, Shirley, and humorously declared her - ‘wife-in-law'. She beamed with utmost pride as she was blessed with grandchildren; Christopher Lee, Jarrien Cadet, and Deyan Lee, the apples of her eye. Her joy multiplied as she got blessed again as a great-grandmother.

Cheryl had an early career stint as a typist and a daycare center bus driver before becoming a teller for New York City's OTB. Her home in Brooklyn was often filled with music and the laughter of friends. Cheryl was known for her famous cooking and for being a wonderful host. It wasn't just her food that nourished the guests, but the love that she poured into it.

Her life took a turn after a stroke in 2010, leading her to Jacksonville, Florida, to be closer to her son. But even in health adversities, she was known as the 'Uno Queen', spreading joy and laughter.

She is survived by her brothers Gregory Merritt and Billy Joe Merritt, her step-siblings Larry, Anthony, and Linda Carpenter, her children, grandchildren, multiple great-grandchildren, and a myriad of hearts she touched throughout her journey