Cheryl Denise (Bethea) Woods

Cheryl Denise (Bethea) Woods born on February 11, 1956 received her Heavenly wings to join her beloved father, Booker Thomas Bethea on Saturday, May 2, 2020.  She was the first and oldest of four children born of the union Booker and Lucille Bethea.

Cheryl’s birth in the District of Columbia (Washington D.C.) started her journey of being raised and educated throughout her dad’s military OCONUS and CONUS assignments.  In 1976, she graduated from Durham High (Bulldogs).  She continued her education at Durham Technical Community College.  Cheryl’s love for people and animals was her life’s passion.  Cheryl excelled as a Certified Nursing Assistant.  She received numerous awards and employee recognitions of the month, quarter and year.  Cheryl absolutely treasured Veterans with her heartwarming smiles and selfless service.  She served the Department of Veterans Affairs for 22 years, retired in 2014. 

Cheryl was affectionately called “Denise or Dee” and if anyone genuinely knew her the light of her world was daughter “Phee”, granddaughter “Leyse” and giving the tightest hugs.  At an early age, Cheryl was baptized and dedicated at Russell Memorial CME Church.  Later, joined The City and St. Joseph AME ministries.  She was a faithful tither and gifted cakes to Bishop Tiff McCarter.

Cheryl leaves to cherish her memory a loving and devoted daughter, Phrelanka Allicia Woods (Anthony) of Durham, NC; granddaughter, Eleyse Ahni Parker; mother, Lucille P. Bethea; sisters, Deborah L. Marshall of Atlanta, GA and Stephanie B. Parker of Chester, Virginia; brother, Booker Thomas Bethea II of Mobile, AL; aunts, Naomi “NA” Davis of Decatur, GA, Frances “Jeannie” Price of Hillsborough, NC and Evelyn Bethea of Gaithersburg, MD; uncle, Lewis Bethea of Tacoma, WA and beloved nieces Michele and Tori  Marshall, Brittaney Bethea, Nichole Parker and the most favorite nephew Keith Jeffrey-Myles Parker.  Best friend and Godmother to her daughter, Chonita Collins, favorite cousins Brenda Henderson (caretaker), Brenda Price, Jacquelyn Speed and a host of cousins and extended family and close friends. 

Private Gravesite Burial:  Beechwood Cemetery, 3300 Fayetteville Road May 8, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.

Family Request social distancing and wear a mask.  Air hugs and kisses are welcomed.

Flowers, donations and condolences offered c/o Phrelanka Woods 1400 Snow Crest Trail, Durham, NC 27707.

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