Cheryl Van Simmons, age 70, was born to the late Leo R. Simmons and Sara F. Simmons on May 23, 1954 in Barberton, Ohio. She was a lifelong resident of Akron, Ohio until she departed this life on September 4th, 2024.

Cheryl attended Barberton High School and was employed as a nurse’s aid for many years. She would later dedicate her life to Christ becoming a pastor over Beloved Ministries where she was well sought after both locally and nationally to preach the word of God. She made it her mission to share her love of Christ with the elderly at various senior communities in the Akron area. On many Sundays she could be found preaching, singing and praying with nursing home residents.

Cheryl was a woman of many talents. As a self-published author, she penned Explosions of the Mind, a beautiful poetry collection which was also made into an audio book. Cheryl was a wonderful cook and anyone who knew her would agree, cooking was one of her greatest gifts.  She loved preparing delicious home cooked meals for family and friends. She also enjoyed spending time in nature and would often go for walks at Lake Anna where she would watch and feed the birds.

She had a warm and welcoming spirit, always praying for those in need. She shared many smiles, hearty laughs, good times, and comforting words with those who surrounded her. A true matriarch, Cheryl was a constant foundation of love for her family. Her earthly presence will be dearly missed.

Cheryl is preceded in death by her father Leo R. Simmons, mother Sara F. Simmons, daughter, April Simmons; and her sister Salbrina Simmons. Cheryl leaves to cherish her memory, her three children Bridget Simmons, Jermyn Mesha Simmons, and Tihida (Michael) Oliver; grandchildren Kashmeir Dixson, Vanessa (Daymond) Williamson, Roger Oliver and Collin Simmons; great-grandchildren Kassidy Adams and Kevin Beasley; sisters Ann (Jeff) Gwen, Mary Simmons, and Angelene (Michael) Irvin; brothers John (Debra) Simmons, Paul Simmons, Leo Simmons, Jr., Nathan Simmons, and Michael (Cherrelle) Ingol, along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.