In Loving Memory of Theda McPherson Cherry

Theda McPherson Cherry, a woman of unwavering faith, boundless love and profound

strength, peacefully journey into the arms of her Heavenly Father on Friday, March 22,

2024, at the age of 94. Her passing, following two weeks under the gentle care of

home hospice, surrounded by family and friends, marked the end of a life filled with

compassion, devotion, and cherished memories.

Theda was preceded in death by her parents, O.W. and Erlby Burton McPherson, her

brother, L.L. “Pete” McPherson, her sisters Carol Nevins and Nita Gerik, and her

daughter-in-law, Karan Cherry. She is survived by her loving children Johnny Cherry,

Phil Cherry, and Mike (Cindy) Cherry; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and

her sisters Earlene Russo and Bettye Sarjeant.

Born Theda Dean McPherson on November 15, 1929, in Silerton, Chester County,

Tennessee, she was the fourth child of six born to Oather William McPherson and Erlby

Lee Burton. Raised amidst the challenges of the Great Depression on a small farm,

Theda developed resilience and a deep appreciation for the value of hard work and

family.

Theda graduated Chester County High School, where she played basketball and was

crowned FFA Queen. Following graduation, she pursued further education, completing

a one-year business college program.

In 1948, Theda married John Tillman Cherry, a fellow native of Chester County. He had

served in the Pacific as a young Navy fighter pilot and worked as a fireman and parttime

agriculture teacher when they met. Within four years Theda had three boys that

she took with her to Florida when John was recalled to fly in the Navy in Jacksonville

during the Korean War. After the war ended, they returned to Henderson and, later,

moved to Memphis, where John served for over 20 years as a fireman. They would

eventually divorce, after 20 years of marriage.

When her boys were teenagers, Theda completed a one year program to certify as a

Licensed Practical Nurse. She excelled in nursing and dedicated three decades to

caring for others. Her tenure included roles at Baptist Hospital in Memphis, where she

served in the ER, operating room, and neurology clinic. She transferred, along with

others in Semmes Murphy Clinic to St. Francis Hospital and moved a block away from

her work in southeast Memphis.

After Theda retired from nursing, she moved to Murfreesboro to be close to her

grandchildren. In retirement she enjoyed hobbies including collecting antiques, making

porcelain dolls, gardening, and enjoying time with family and friends.

As a woman of unyielding faith, she found solace and community at Missionary Baptist

Church, where she cultivated cherished friendships. In her final years, she faced her

health challenges with grace and acceptance, guided by her unwavering trust in the

Lord Jesus Christ. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew her, but her

legacy of love, resilience, and faith will continue to inspire all those who were blessed

to know and love her.

Visitation with the family will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2024,

at Murfreesboro Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment

will take place at Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be may in Theda’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.