Cheryl Anne Mays

1949 - 2012

Cheryl Anne Mays
July 9, 1949 - February 1, 2012
Cheryl was born in Paramount, California to Stella and Delbert Leonard. She grew up in Madera, California along with her sister Gwen and brother Bob. Shortly after graduating from high school she moved to Merced where she began her own family. Cheryl had three children Dean, Christie and Matthew. Later, she met the love of her life, Greg, and had one more son, Rodney. Cheryl had a passion for shopping. She loved to shop at estate sales, yard sales, thrift stores and anywhere she could find clothing, accessories and "treasures". When asked where she found her goodies she would say, "I found them in my many travels." It was this love that led her to realizing a dream of opening her own unique clothing boutique in the 80's, Strawberry Saturday. She built a large cliental of loyal, life-long customers and friends. These customers followed her into a second shop and finally into a third, again named Strawberry Saturday. She enjoyed this shop for six yeas until she recently became ill. Cheryl was a loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandma and friend. She was loyal and often helped others during difficult times. All holidays and family gatherings were special because she could be around her family, especially her six grandchildren who loved her dearly. Cheryl enjoyed music, shopping, food, dining at restaurants, overnight getaways with her sister and books and magazines of many kinds. She enjoyed all things beautiful and feminine. Jewelry, perfumes, clothing, tea cups and teapots are just a few. Cheryl is preceded in death by her mother, Stella Leonard and her husband Gregory McVay. She is survived by her father Delbert Leonard of Madera, sister and brother-in-law Gwen and Ron Beluardo of Merced, brother Bob Leonard of Merced, daughter and son-in-law Christie Mays and Derek Hicks of Merced, sons Dean Leonard of Madera, Matthew Mays of Merced and Rodney McVay of Madera, nephew David Beluardo, nieces, Gena Hubach, Connie, Danielle and Morgan Leonard. Cheryl had six grandchildren who lovingly called her Grammy, Andrew, Martessa, Christopher, Cherylynn, Daniel and Taylor. She will live in our hears forever. A celebration of Cheryl's life will be held on Friday, February 10, 2012 at 10:00 AM at Yosemite Church 2230 Yosemite Ave. in Merced. There will be a potluck reception at the church immediately following the memorial. Donations can be made in Cheryl's memory to the American Cancer Society, 222 W. Shaw Ave #201 Fresno, CA 93711 or Yosemite Church 2230 Yosemite Ave., Merced, CA 95340. Under the direction of Whitton Family Funeral Service in Merced, CA.