Cheryl Brashear

With heavy hearts, we share that Cheryl Brashear (Fowler) passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, at the age of 71. Born on November 10, 1954, in Ada, Oklahoma and immediately adopted by loving parents, Tollie and Bertha Fowler. She graduated as valedictorian from Ada High School.
She married her high school sweetheart, Ernest Brashear, on May 24, 1974, and together they shared 51 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they raised two children, Matt and Jenni, and later became proud grandparents to Sloane and Alex, who brought her immeasurable joy. Becoming "Mimi" was one of her greatest accomplishments and happiest roles.

Cheryl devoted 15 years of her life to teaching kindergarten, a calling that fit her perfectly. She was patient, nurturing, and endlessly kind—qualities that made her beloved by her students and their families. She retired from teaching when she became a grandmother, happily taking on what she often called her next full-time job: being "Mimi".

Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was deeply involved in her church community. Cheryl participated in bell choir, taught Sunday School, helped with Vacation Bible School, and served as a Stephen Minister at Whites Chapel Methodist Church. Cheryl could always be found serving wherever she felt she was needed. The same was true in her family life—she was actively involved in her children's lives through sports, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, PTA, and countless school and community activities. If there was a need, Cheryl was there.

Later in life, Cheryl faced dementia, a disease that slowly took her memories but never touched her heart. Even as her memory faded, her caring and nurturing spirit remained. She continued to help others instinctively, offering kindness, comfort, and service long after words and details were gone. Her love truly outlasted her memory.

Cheryl will be remembered as a woman who never met a stranger, never held a grudge, and never hesitated to help. Her legacy lives on through her family, her former students, her church community, and all those whose lives were better simply because she was part of them.
Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Tollie and Bertha Fowler. She is survived by her husband, Ernest Brashear; her son, Matt Brashear and his wife Kacey; her daughter, Jenni Houghton and her husband Neil; her cherished grandchildren, Sloane and Alex; and many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

A CELEBRATION of LIFE will be held on February 6, 2026, at 10:00AM at Whites Chapel Methodist Church - Wesley Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Cheryl's honor to a church or dementia-related organization of your choosing.