Effie Lee Cherry

Effie Lee Cherry, age 80, of Hendersonville, TN passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 12, 2020.

Effie grew up in Jacksonville, North Carolina and attended East Carolina College where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics. For most of her life, she was an active member in 4-H. It was actually at a 4-H Camp that she met Frank, who would become her husband. They started their family together with Tim on February 14, 1965. A year after they were married, Frank was in a life-threatening accident from which Effie spent the entire next year helping him recover while also working full time with the local Home Extension Office. Over the next few years, two daughters were born and made their family complete.

In 1975, the family moved to Pewee Valley, KY where they built a home on 16½ acres and raised their girls there over the next 7 years. During that time, Effie worked as the Supervisor of Houseparents at Cedar Lake Lodge where she established life long connections and friendships with both the staff and residents.

The family relocated to Hendersonville in 1981. Once settled, she decided to pursue, and ultimately received, her Masters Degree in Psychology from Tennessee State University. She worked as a teacher of adult education in Sumner County for many years until she retired.

Effie had many passions in life, including her family, church, education and the Grand Old Opry. She was a 4-H Honor Club member and a proud 50 year member of the Eastern Star where she served as a Past Matron and was on the board of Rainbow Girls. She was recently recognized for her years of service in the Order of the Eastern Star. She was also a very active member of the Daughters of American Revolution, Jethro Sumner Chapter. She served as an Elder several times during her 40 years as a member of First Presbyterian Church of Hendersonville.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 52 years, Frank Lee Cherry, Jr.; her parents, Lemuel Gillette Aman, Sr. and Bernice Blanche Higgins; sisters Susan Caroline Aman and Sarah “Catherine” Aman; and brother Lemuel Gillette “Bud” Aman, Jr.

She is survived by her children, Timothy Lee (Deborah) Cherry, Suzanne Cherry Cravens and Emily Ruth (Dwight) Byrd; brother, David Manley (Billie) Aman; grandchildren, Genna Lea Cherry, Cason Lee (Erin) Cherry, Jack Timothy (Itsel) Daniel, Sarah Catherine Cravens, Simon Judson Byrd, Ethan Dwight Byrd and Rachel Elizabeth Byrd; great-grandchildren, Jon Lemuel Cravens, Leia Jolynn Hummell and Maeve Elizabeth Cherry; 7 nephews and 6 nieces also survive.

Her family will receive friends on Friday, January 17 from 5pm until 8pm and her Eastern Star Service will begin at 8pm at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Hendersonville. On Saturday, January 18, the family will receive friends from 12 Noon until her Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 1pm at First Presbyterian Church of Hendersonville with Rev. Michael Davis officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children at https://shrinershospitalsfor children.org, National 4-H Council at https://4-h.org , First Presbyterian Church of Hendersonville at https://www.hendersonvillefpc.org , or to Cedar Lake Home for the Disabled at https://cedarlake.org .

You may view the obituary or offer your condolences online at www.austinandbell.com . The family has entrusted services to Austin & Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 104 Sanders Ferry Road, Hendersonville, TN. 615-822-4442.