Cheryl Avis Pratt's Obituary
Cheryl Pratt 78, of Jackson, Michigan, slipped away unexpectedly, but quietly. Peacefully entering the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Chirst, on the morning of Feb. 26th 2023, in her home, surrounded by her family.
Cheryl was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 26, 1944. She was the ninth of eleven children born to the union of Charles and Esther Hurkes from Longleaf, Louisiana. At the early age the family moved to Baldwin Michigan where Cheryl attended Yates Elementary School and graduating from Baldwin High School in Baldwin, Michigan. Upon graduating high school, Cheryl moved to Jackson, Michigan, and united in marriage with Ralph Pratt in 1964. To this union two children were born; Anthony and Marcus. Cheryl worked at Cedar Knoll, Kelsey Hayes and Dana Cooperation while living in Jackson and In Minnesota. Cheryl later moved to Otsego, Minnesota, where she spent a big part of her adult life. Over the course of her life, Cheryl worked in various jobs being certified in culinary arts to construction, that included carpentry and roofing, as a bus driver, a utility worker for Minnesota Road Commission, and attending Northwestern college in Roseville, Minnesota majoring in Theology. The skills she acquired enabled her to make her childhood dreams a reality. When asked to return home to care for close family members who were sick, she came without hesitation, desiring to return one day to her home in Otsego, but faithfully cared for her family until her transition. Cheryl hobbies were gardening, reading and taking care of her pets. She loved growing vegetables to share with her family and community. She had an unquenchable thirst for Bible knowledge and often spent her time in her Bible and prayer in her closet. Cheryl was a virtuous woman, a mother, grandmother, great grandmother and caregiver. Her Christian faith was an essential part of her life at an early age. She spent a great deal of time mentoring young Christians and Family. It is a challenge to try and condense Cheryl’s life into a few paragraphs. She was many things to many people. Those who knew her have their own stories to tell. To some she was straight forward, no play Cheryl. Her favorite saying was, “if you don’t work you don’t eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10. During her time with us she made a point to help anyone with whatever she could. To others, Cheryl had great compassion. Those that had no place to go, to stay, to sleep or eat have reached out to say how grateful they were that she took them into her home when no one else would. Whenever she was surrounded by friends or family you could be sure she would seize the opportunity for a discussion about Jesus Christ. A special thanks to Bishop Ira Combs Jr. and First Lady Combs, Elder and Sister Beta and all of Greater Bible Way Temple Members. One of the highlights of her life was helping with Greater Bible Way Temple Vacation Bible School. Working with the youth. In her passing, she leaves two children Anthony of Jackson, Marcus (Denise) of Roseville, Minnesota, two sisters, Dolly Kidd, Pat Thomas of Jackson, one brother, James Brumfield of Baldwin, Michigan, nine grandchildren: LaTashia, Marcus (Mae) of Jackson, Tonia of Indiana. Karissa (Sean Dominic), Marissa Johnson, Makayla, Kaylene, Anthony, Carly Crowell, all from the Twin Cities, Minnesota and four great-grandchildren: Aaliyah, Cyril, Leo, Rosalia, also of the Twin Cities, Minnesota . Cheryl also had an army of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
Cheryl’s legacy will carry on forever reminding us that we should choose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service, like Christ modeled for us.
Cheryl, you left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, although we cannot see you, you’re always at our side.
“I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though we were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”
St John 11:25-26
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