Cherry Dawn Marshall Jan 14, 1980 – Nov 24, 2017

Ecclesiastes 7:1 tells us that “A good name is better than good oil, and the day of death is better than the day of birth.” At times like this, we may struggle with the thought that “the day of death is better than the day of birth,” but Cherry fully understood and even embraced that principle. While as a babe, no one could say what kind of person Cherry would become, there is absolutely no doubt that Cherry lived up to her beautiful name. Cherry brought more beauty and joy in to this world than any cherry tree in full bloom ever has. When Cherry looked at you with her sparkling eyes and smiled at you with her radiant smile, it was like the Dawn of a bright new day. You would never catch Cherry not looking radiant and beautiful.
Cherry was a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter, a niece, and an aunt. She was a mother, a wife and a best friend. Most importantly she was Jehovah’s friend. Cherry’s family was “only rewarded with good all the days of her life” (Prov 31:12). Her “children would rise up and declare her happy,” and although “there are many capable women, but you – you surpass them all (Prov 31:29). Most importantly, Cherry knew the fear of Jehovah and it was reflected in her deep faith. Cherry’s love motivated her to share her faith with others. Those who responded were rewarded with Cherry’s friendship and the same happiness and blessings that Cherry enjoyed as a friend of Jehovah.
While Cherry had a healthy fear of God, she charged fearlessly at life. Cherry was tenacious, precocious, curious, vibrant and tough as nails. Cherry could be a serious person but didn’t take herself too seriously. She could weave the loveliest and most delicate braid in Aurora’s hair in the morning and wrestle a dog to the ground to give it a shot that afternoon. Her beauty was not skin deep. It radiated from her heart. She loved hard work and was not intimidated by her father and brothers’ frenetic pace. She seemed able to accomplish whatever she set her mind to. Once while boating in a frigid lake in Colorado, the boat’s outdrive needed an adjustment. Even though there were two men in the boat, Cherry was the one that dove in and corrected the fault. Cherry made sure not to let them off the hook. Cherry also had a keen sense of humor. In the moments you would least expect it or need it the most, she could make you laugh so hard you would cry.
Cherry longed to line in an earth filled with those who exemplified the same Godly qualities that she embraced. The clarity of her hope was rooted in her unshakeable faith and love for her Creator.
There are no words that can capture the gravity of loss felt in the wake of this tragedy. Cherry’s life was in full blossom and she will desperately be missed.
Cherry was born to Tommy and Jeannie Merriman on January 14, 1980. She dedicated herself to Jehovah on June 18, 1994. She married her best friend Judd Marshall on September 15, 2001. On April 8, 2006, she brought her precious son Barak Vaughn into the world. On November 10, 2010, her beautiful daughter Aurora Jade was born.
Cherry’s life was filled with friends and family that loved her dearly and will miss her intensely until she is back with us again.