Brenda Garrett Cherry

Brenda Garrett Cherry, 65, of Hayesville, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, Monday, June 13, 2022. She was a native and lifetime resident of Hayesville.

Brenda began college at Berea College and later received her bachelor’s degree from Western Carolina University in elementary and secondary education. She then began a long career with Clay County Schools and had a huge impact on many of her young students. Many contribute their success to the leadership, guidance and friendship from Mrs. Cherry. She was a member and past president of the North Carolina Association of Educators and also a member and current president of the North Carolina Retired School Personnel. Brenda had worked in the school system for more than 30 years, retiring in 2014. Following retirement, she remained active in the community, volunteering with the Board of Elections and visiting and assisting the elderly in need. She was a devoted and active member of Oak View Baptist Church. She enjoyed gardening, birds, reading and watching Braves baseball and Tarheel basketball.

She was the daughter of the late Paul Bennett and Louise Adline Southerland Garrett.

Surviving are her loving husband of nearly 31 years, J.C. Cherry; three daughters, Emily Cherry, of Hayesville, Megan Cherry, of Charlotte, and Gina Cherry, of Hayesville; two sisters, Sandra Holbrooks, of Blairsville, Kathy Long and husband, Robert, of Hayesville; four brothers, Robert, Richard and Larry Garrett, all of Hayesville, and Doug Garrett and wife, Geneva, of Dawsonville, Ga. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 17 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville with the Rev. Steve Cothren officiating. Interment will be in the Oak View Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dwight and Steven Long, Doug Garrett, Derrick Arrowood, James Norton and Jimmy Watkins.

The family will receive friends from 12-1:45 p.m. prior to the service at Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville.

The family requests memorials be made in memory of Brenda G. Cherry to the Oak View Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, C/O Loretta Jones, 3378 Downings Creek Road, Hayesville, N.C. 28904.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville: www.iviefuneralhome.com is in charge of arrangements.