Cheryl Richey Young

Our wonderful wife, mom, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend transitioned peacefully into the loving arms of her Eternal Father on the evening of May 30, 2023, surrounded by the love, support and prayers of so many family and friends whether present in person or in spirit.  We have all been so blessed to have Cheryl in our lives for the past 66 years.  The world has been a better place with her in it.

Cheryl was born in Winston-Salem and spent her growing up years both there and in Lighthouse Point, FL.  She graduated high school from Westminster Academy in 1975 and later earned her B.S.B.A. in Accounting from UNCG in 1991.  She married the love of her life, Joel, on March 12, 1977.  Cheryl and Joel have been together since they were 17 years old and just celebrated their 46^th wedding anniversary in March.  They began their married life together in South Florida in 1977.  Joel joined the Marines in 1978 and between his Marine placement and their careers, they have spent the remainder of their married life in various NC cities with a brief time in Martinsville, VA.

Cheryl and Joel adopted Matt in 1989, and being his mom was one of the greatest joys of her life.  She has always been immensely proud of him his entire life, but most especially recently after he suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2014.  After months spent in the hospital and rehab, uncertain if Matt would even survive, Cheryl was so incredibly proud of Matt’s fight to not only survive but to thrive.  Matt’s independence and continued contributions to the world were such a source of pride to Cheryl, and she was especially proud of what a man of faith he has become. 

Whether with her own son or with family member’s children, Cheryl could always be found loving on the children and making them feel special with her maternal instincts.  At family gatherings, she was often known to lovingly “fight” with other family members for the rights to hold the babies and children! 

She continued this loving care for the older children of family members often sending care packages when they were in college or even cooking home-cooked meals for those who lived nearby.  But her loving care for others did not stop with children.  She was often known to bring meals to family and friends in need, drive to or pick someone up from the airport regardless of how early or late their flight was, send a card or note to those going through a tough time, give the most thoughtful gifts (often just because she was thinking of you), even hosting bridal events and baby showers for loved ones.  And if you had a prayer need, there was no better prayer warrior than Cheryl Young!  Even in death, Cheryl continued to give, saving two lives with her organ donations and helping countless others.  Her love language was most definitely “Gifts”. 

Cheryl will always be remembered for her generosity of spirit given to everyone who was blessed to be a part of her life.  She was the most loving, wonderful person you could ever hope to know, always kind and caring.  Anyone who knew her knows that her foundation of Christian faith is unparalleled and has been a shining example to everyone she has ever encountered.  To look at Cheryl was to see the face of God.

She enjoyed her time and her coworkers who became friends working in the Accounting Department at Smart Start for 16 years, and has most recently thoroughly enjoyed working as Accounting Manager at Archadeck.  Cheryl’s co-workers were often the beneficiaries of her generosity both with her time and with her great sense of humor. 

Cheryl was loved by so many friends whether from childhood, from the neighborhoods she lived in, from church, or from connections from Matt’s growing up years.  She was considered a best friend by many because she truly was a best friend to many.  Cheryl formed a unique bond with the families of Matt’s Bishop McGuinness High School baseball team. This group is still together today, and they call themselves “The MOBB” (Mothers Of Bishop Baseball). Cheryl’s MOBB position was Designated Prayer Warrior.  Their message for Cheryl is “Buddy C, The MOBB Buddies know how lucky the Angels in heaven are to have you. We can already hear them laughing with you. We love you so very much, now and forever.” 

Over the past several days, some of Cheryl’s closest and dearest friends have shared their thoughts about how fortunate they were to have Cheryl in their lives and about what a loving, selfless and utterly devoted friend she was saying things like: “Being there for her friends and family was second nature for Cheryl and you could always count on her.  She was helpful and humble whenever she reached out to neighbors with needs, always saying ‘Oh, it was nothing, I feel I should do more’.  She always had gift bags at holidays for friends, family, neighbors and their children.  First and foremost , Cheryl was a spiritual woman, a true woman of God!”  “It is bittersweet to say goodbye to Cheryl.  Bitter because I wasn’t ready to lose her, but sweet because no one is sweeter or kinder than her, and because of the wonderful memories I still get to keep.  We have had many adventures together since third grade!  She became part of my family and I was blessed to be counted as part of hers.  She knew the real me and loved me anyway.  Cheryl was non-judgmental and as loyal as they come.  I look forward to more grand adventures with Cheryl in Eternity one day.”  “To me the essence of Cheryl is that she has a true servant's heart and that is why I think it is so easy to love her. Cheryl was someone who was ALWAYS there for you in just the way you needed at that moment.  She lit up a room. It was like a gravitational pull towards her.  She brought people together.  She really loved and enjoyed people all the way from babies to centenarians. For twenty-five years I watched her treat all persons equally and with respect. I loved her and respected her because she was never afraid to face difficult situations and was always willing to stand with her friends and family in difficult situations.  She had a gift of making people feel comfortable and special.  She was a gifted listener who gave her undivided attention and funny as all get out. I'm going to miss her wicked sense of humor.  I say she was my best friend but I bet a thousand others do as well because that is just the way she made you feel. She knew how to be a friend.  Cheryl was incredibly smart and I think she could have done anything in this world she put her mind to, but what she loved and wanted to focus on most was her FAMILY.  She was hilarious, thoughtful, kind, always generous, encouraging, optimistic, happy, family oriented, loved her family, friends and dogs.  She was a happy warrior.  She made a huge impact on my life and I think in this world. And I honestly believe her positive impact will continue in all she knew going forward.”

“Cheryl was a friend that I could share anything with, truly anything.  With no judgment, only compassion love and empathy.  We were so connected.  Like what I thought a sister would be like, only better.”  “If I was saying something to describe what it was like when we all spent the days with Cheryl at work, I would say that no group of people ever loved their days more than we did and it was all because of the fact that somehow the right people came together and Cheryl was a completely indispensable part!  We have always looked to Cheryl to lead and organize us as far as events, get togethers, or any group activities, and she always did it!! She is our glue.  She has always been the most "sane" one of us all.  She has always been kind to everyone, is a true friend, and is a wonderful role model.”

Cheryl is survived by her husband, Joel Young, and her son, Matthew Young, both of Kernersville, NC; brother, Robert Richey; niece, Kristina Richey; sister, Nancy Richey Wrieden, and her husband, Scott; niece, Allison Wrieden Gallup and her husband, Grant Gallup; niece, Jillian Wrieden, brother, Marc Richey and his wife, Michelle, and their children Thomas, Emily and Tracy; sisters-in-law Deborah Young Krivoshia, Mary Young Rhodes, and Cindy Wren Young; nephew, Kyle Krivoshia; niece, Heather Rhodes Charles; nephew Brett Rhodes; nephews, Bryan Young, and Eric Young, as well as a multitude great nieces and nephews and loving cousins (many of whom are like additional sisters and brothers) and friends.  She is preceded in death by her mother, Betty Sue Brannock Richey, her father, Delford Payne Richey, her sister, Kathryn Richey Filman, her brother-in-law, Todd Young, and her nephew, Darrin Young.

Cheryl’s Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 3^rd, at Triad Baptist Church, 1175 South Main Street, Kernersville.  Reception with light food immediately following the service.  She will be interred at a later date at Salisbury National Cemetery in Salisbury, NC.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Cheryl be made to: 

*Honorbridge (www.honorbridge.org) ~ The organization through which Cheryl's organ donations saved 2 lives and helped countless others.

*Children's Home Society of NC (www.chsnc.org) ~ The adoption agency through which Cheryl & Joel adopted Matt 34 years ago 

* A charity that is near and dear to your heart

Cheryl set a good example for everyone with her life of faith, but also with her vulnerability and willingness to allow others to serve by asking them for help when she needed it.  Family and friends across the board have echoed one another in saying that Cheryl will most be remembered for her amazing faith.  She had a stronger faith than anyone we know and was always happy to share it, but never forced it on anyone.  Her Love was a Christlike Love…always serving others and putting their needs before her own. She embodied Matthew 20:16 ~ “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” with her servant attitude.  And we know that she has been welcomed into the Kingdom of God with a “Well done, good and faithful servant.” surrounded by so many loved ones celebrating her arrival.  Cheryl will be so deeply missed on this Earth, but she will live on in the lives of those who knew and loved her as we strive to live in the ways that Cheryl modeled for us.  Until we meet again, Cheryl, we will feel you in our hearts, remember you in our wonderful memories, and sense you near in Spirit.