Cheryl Lavinn Kerner (McGrew) passed away Saturday, October 26, 2024, in Decatur, Illinois at the age of 74. She was a long-time resident of Oreana, Illinois for over 40 years, living alongside the same neighbors for the majority of that time.
Cheryl was born in Clay County, Illinois, the daughter of Basil and Mary Belle (Colclasure) McGrew. She grew up with her older brother Gary McGrew in Flora, IL. Cheryl attended Flora High School.
The mother of three children Steven, Tyler, and Staci and grandmother of three Sophia, Kylie, and Kevin, Cheryl enjoyed spending time with her family.
An avid Cardinal baseball and Illini basketball fan, Cheryl enjoyed cheering on the teams. She was also a long-time supporter of the Argenta-Oreana Bombers, the school district where she had dedicated over 30 years as the junior high secretary. Cheryl was always quick to help any student in need, sharing her generosity anonymously.
In her free time, Cheryl enjoyed spending time in the yard gardening and manicuring the lawn, time in the kitchen baking and cooking, and time inside working puzzles and reading books.
Cheryl is also known for her enjoyment of animals, whether it be making sure the neighborhood cats never went hungry to watching the birds and squirrels around her yard. She had a beloved dog named Toby whom she gladly shared funny stories and memories about.
She is survived by her brother: Gary McGrew; children: Steven Kerner, Tyler (Laura) Kerner, and Staci (Matt) Holmes; and three grandchildren: Sophia (Esme) Straith, Kylie Kerner, and Kevin Kerner. She was preceded in death by her parents Basil and Mary Belle McGrew.
A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 12 noon on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. A graveside committal ceremony will then follow at Willow Branch Cemetery in Rinard. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cheryl’s memory are suggested to the Argenta-Oreana Boosters, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
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