Cheryl B. Smith

Cheryl B. Smith passed away at her home following a courageous battle with cancer on June 3, 2023, with her family by her side. She was 77.

Cheryl was born in Hopewell, VA, on July 21, 1945, to the late Marvin and Winifred (Frederick) Block. She spent her childhood in Hampshire, IL, graduating from Hampshire High School in 1963. She was united in marriage to David Smith in 1965, and she completed her BS degree at Butler University in 1968.

Following graduation, Cheri and David relocated to Beloit, WI, where she taught at Gaston Elementary School. Three years later they made their home in Sheboygan, WI. In 1971 Cheri began teaching for the Sheboygan Area School District at Lyman Elementary School. After taking several years away to raise her two daughters, she taught at Pied Piper Nursery School at St. Luke United Methodist Church. Cheri returned to the SASD in 1991 where she taught at the Early Learning Center before retiring in 2003.

During her 52 years in Sheboygan, Cheri was active in the teaching community and was involved in numerous organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, and she was an active member at St. Luke United Methodist Church.

Cheri enjoyed doing yoga, playing mahjong, walking along the lakefront, and pedaling on the back of David’s tandem bicycle. She cooked and baked for her family and friends, bringing her love to every meal. She was an avid reader, and her cats, Josie and Lucy, were always close by. Cheri’s greatest joy was her family, and she cherished the time she spent with her four grandchildren.

Cheri is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, David Smith; daughters, Elizabeth (Chad) Warner, Anne-Louise (Jason) Plesh, and her beloved grandchildren, Nathan and Margaret Warner, and Samuel and Lucas Plesh. She is also survived by her cousins Colleen Bailie, Stan Block and Joyce Herbison, whom she considered to be “better than a sister.” Cheri is also survived by her nephew, Fred Smith, extended family, and a community of friends. 

Along with her parents, Cheri was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Frederic Smith and her sister-in-law, Ginger Patten.

A Memorial Service for Cheri will be held at 2pm on Thursday, June 15^th, at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 623 Ontario Ave., Sheboygan, with Pastor Cindy Thompson officiating. The family has elected to have no visitation and instead welcomes friends and family to a celebration of life following the ceremony. Details will be shared at the conclusion of the service.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the nurses, doctors and staff who cared for Cheri at UW Hospital, SSM Health, Matthews Oncology Associates, and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. In particular, Dr. Sam Lubner, Dr. John Hamilton, Dr. Andrew Walker, and Dr. Marshall Matthews showed exceptional care to Cheri and her family. Additionally, the family is profoundly grateful to countless friends and family for their kindness and support throughout Cheri’s life, as well as during her illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Cheri’s name to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice and the Sheboygan County Food Bank with a designated donation to the Herb Kohler and Natalie Black Community Cafe.