Obituary of Cheryl Ann (Heister) Matthews

Cheryl Ann (Heister) Matthews (11/20/1945 - 11/3/2023)

Cheryl Matthews, 77, of Chapin, South Carolina, died November 3, 2023 after a 16 month battle with cancer. She taught us how to live a full life, handle adversity with a courageous smile, and had a steadfast faith in God.

Cheryl was born in Lancaster, Ohio in 1945 to Leland and Katherine Heister. She graduated from Lancaster High School and then earned a degree in Physical Education and Dance from Indiana University. She earned Master’s Degrees in Education and Guidance and Counseling from Eastern Michigan University. In her early years, she taught at Columbus School for Girls.

Many of her students remember her fondly as their gym teacher and cheerleading coach at East Grand Rapids High School in Michigan where she taught in the 1970s. One of them shared: “What a beautiful heart and soul Cheryl had. She was gentle and strong at the same time and had so much class while staying humble with a quick smile and an infectious laugh.”

Cheryl transitioned into the food service industry in Atlanta and then married John Matthews in 1979. She relocated from Atlanta to Denver where she continued her successful career as a regional manager. From Denver, John and Cheryl moved to Carlsbad, California and finally to Chapin, South Carolina.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her loving husband, John Matthews. She will be missed by her stepsons, Sean (Christine) Matthews and Michael (Kelly) Matthews. Also surviving is her sister, Pam (Larry) Redd and her nephews, Tony Redd (Heidi) and Aaron Redd, numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

There will be a graveside service on November 27, 2023 at 12:00 pm at Forest Rose Cemetery, 1238 N Columbus Street, Lancaster, Ohio 43130. Donations to the American Cancer Society donate.cancer.org would be greatly appreciated. 

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.