Aveniel A. Cherry

On March 25, 2026, Aveniel went to spend eternity with Jesus. She was born on August 6, 1933, in Metropolis, Illinois, to Roy and Mabel Arensman. She was preceded in death by her husband, John T. Cherry; whom she married in 1953 and celebrated 71 years together, before his passing in October 2024. Aveniel was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who shared her faith in Jesus with her family and friends with humility and grace.

Aveniel lived in Metropolis until she graduated from Metropolis Community High School in 1951 (except for her fifth and sixth grade years during WWII when her family moved out West for her father to work in a war plant). She started her college education at SIUC in 1951 in elementary education and began dating John. When he graduated, they got married and he entered the air force; they moved to Denver then to California where their daughter, Diane, was born. After the completion of his military service, they returned to Carbondale where their son, Doug, was born and she finished her bachelor's and master's degrees. In 1962, she began her teaching career at Lakeland School. After teaching there for 7 years, she worked 24 years as a faculty instructor and academic adviser in the College of Education at SIU.

She was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, Kappa Lambda, and PEO. She was a longtime faithful member of the First United Methodist Church for over 60 years. She held various positions including Lay Leader and Delegate to Annual Conference; and she served as a member of the Handbells, United Methodist Women, and Stephen Ministry. She was instrumental in starting the March to the Manager Christmas program at the church which she coordinated for many years.

She also was active in the Victory Dream Center and served regularly in their food pantry. She and John participated in many Fellowship of Christian Athletes programs and fundraising events. As a team, they worked to serve the community in many ways with Aveniel humbly working in the background.

Most importantly, she was a loving, kind person who never seemed to say a negative word about anyone or complain about anything. She consistently lived out the great commandment of loving the Lord with all of her heart, her soul, and her might and loving her neighbor as herself. This was displayed through being a gracious host to whomever visited her home and through her kindness in all of her interactions.

Aveniel had a wonderful life of 92 years and is survived by her husband, John T Cherry; daughter, Diane and husband (Bob) Davis; and son, Doug and wife (Lisa) Cherry, both of Carbondale; twelve grandchildren, Brian (Carrie) Davis and Michelle (Cory) Mohr, Nathan (Tara) Cherry, Kalyn (Adam) Waller, Lucas (Rachel) Cherry, Rebecah (Loren) Conbeer, Hannah (Seth) Erickson, Micah (Danae) Cherry, Matthew (Olivia) Cherry, and Ethan (Eva) Cherry, Lydia Cherry, and Josiah Cherry. She was blessed with 29 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026 at the Victory Dream Center on 607 E. College Street in Carbondale from 9a.m. to 11 a.m. with the funeral following at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to the Victory Dream Center or the First United Methodist Church.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is in charge of arrangements. To leave a story or Memory of Aveniel, visit www.Meredith.com.