Cheryl Irene Carter

Cheryl Irene Carter passed away on April 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on June 15, 1948, Cheryl’s life was a testament to kindness, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing the children around her. A funeral service to honor Cheryl’s life will be held at 10:00 AM EST on Saturday April 18, 2026 at Evangel Church 5350 Veterans Pkwy, Columbus, GA 31904, according to Vance Brooks Funeral Home.

Cheryl earned her bachelor’s degree in teaching from her alma mater, where she found camaraderie and sisterhood as a member of the Beta Theta sorority. Her educational journey laid the foundation for a lifetime of service and heartfelt connection with those she taught and mentored.

Cheryl worked as a teacher for over 30 years. She began her career at Baker Middle School and later touched countless young lives at Forest Road Elementary School. In several instances she even taught up to 3 generations in the same families! Cheryl’s students will forever remember her as more than just a teacher—she was a guiding light, a motherly figure who embraced every child with the same love and care she would have given her own.

Beyond her professional achievements, Cheryl was an avid reader. Her love for books was profound; she could devour stories in a matter of hours, finding joy and escape within their pages. But her greatest pride lay in her faith and her role within her church community. A dedicated Christian, she taught Sunday School for many years and earned the affectionate title of “the best Children’s Church teacher ever” from both children and their parents. Her faith was a beacon for those around her, inspiring and comforting with grace and sincerity.

Cheryl’s generous spirit and warm smile endeared her to everyone she met. She was a true people person, well-liked by all, and had a mother’s heart—though she never had children of her own, she loved the children around her as if they belonged to her.

She leaves behind a loving family who will forever treasure her memory: her brother David Carter and his wife Shelisha; nieces Michelle Clark and Heather Segrest (Adam); nephews Jonathan Carter, Nathan (Kayla), and Matthew; great nieces and nephews Cody Becraft, Travis Becraft (Destiny), Kelly Gross, Alan (Katie), Jonah, Jacob, Isaiah, and Asher; great-great nieces and nephews Phenix, Jonluke, Pruitt, Megan, and Delaney.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Horace Leroy Carter and Mary Nell Booth Carter, and her great nephew Aaron David Baker.

Cheryl will be deeply missed by her students, church, countless friends, and loving family.