On July 10, 2014, Cherie Joy Stewart made her triumphant entry to her heavenly home. Cherie was born in Washington, D.C. on November 19, 1969 to Sharon L. Stewart and George West. Prophetically her name "Cherie" means LOVE in French and "JOY" meaning full of life. Truly Cherie was the joy of her great grandmother "BUMPY", Mrs. Maggie P. Garner, who was very instrument in her upbringing. Cherie was a beautiful, amazing, caring, spiritual young woman. Despite everything she'd endured she maintained such a wonderful, loving, and outgoing personality. She had the unique gift of making everyone laugh and lifting their spirits. Her mind was intelligent and seeking. She had a razor sharp wit and brilliance. One of her outstanding features was her glorious eyes. Like a jewel that glistened sometims gray, sometimes green and sometimes blue. They were awesome. She was a beautiful phenomenal woman.
She came to Christ at an early age at Plymouth Congreational Church. Cherie loved Jesus intensely. Her relationship was unconditional. Even in her illness her declaration was like Job, "i know my redeemer lives." Cherie was an evangelist and warrior for Christ. She would boldy proclaim the Gospel to everyone who would listen. She loved the broken, the homeless and disadvantaged. She had a great compassion for those who suffered. This demonstrated the Spirit of Christ that lived in her. She was loved by many and professed to be a ?Daughter of the Most High". She leaves a legacy of compassion, phenomenal strength and courage.
Cherie was an exceptionally bright and academically talented young girl. She attended DC Public Schools (Keene and LaSalle Elementary. Alice Deal Junior High School and Coolidge High School) until the 10th grade when she transferred to Emerson Preparatory School. Her outstanding academics resulted in her receiving a full scholarship to George Washington University. She desired to become an Attorney. UNfortunately, she withdraw from GWU due to her illness. Although physically challenged, she eventually attended Prince George's Community College and took art classes.
She discovered during her 1st chemo session that she had been blessed with outstanding artistic abilities. She was sketching one day
and created a work she called "Never More Than You Can Bear". She actually surprised herself; it was an amazing work. Cherie went on to become an accomplished artist, photographer and a published writer.
Cherie was employed for seven years, by Wilmer, Cutler and Pickering , LLP, as a Project Assistant. She was an entrepreneur who established
her own Graphic Arts and Design Company named "Deep Waters". Her company designed tee shirts for various popular urban apparel stores in Washington, D.C. She also was commissioned t create paintings, sketches, and professional logos. Her keen eye for detail caused her to be in demand and expand her talent to included mural's, wall finishes and caricatures.
One of her many accomplishments and honors, was the hanging of her "Self Potrait" in the office of the late Prince George's County Executive, the Honorable Wayne Curry. she was awarded first prize in the art competition at Prince George's Community College.
Cherie was a luminary. She began to show literacy skills at the age of six. Her first poems were entitled "Liver", "The Sun" and "Children
Have All Rights". A poet and writer, she published articles in magazines and newspapers. She also has an unfinished novel entitled "In Mysterious Ways".
Cherie was a warrior. She endured hardship as a good solider. Her battle with cancer began when she was 25 years old. For 20 years, she courageously stood on God's promises. She faced her enemy with determination and humor. When her beautiful hair came out, she made light of it to make it easier for everyone else.
She is survived by her beloved Mother, Sharon L. Stewart, loving Father George West, her devoted Uncles, Jimmy, Darrel, Troy and Gary Stewart. She is survived by Great Aunts, Falba Purcell and Beatrice Irons and a Great Uncle Donald Irons. she is also survived by her loving Sister and Brother, Crystal L. Smith and George Hyson. In addition, she leaves a multitude of family and friends.
Cherie was 6 ft tall which caused her younger cousins to call her "SuperGirl". They still call her this today. To everyone who knows her
, she was and always will be SUPERGIRL!!!