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Sheila Cheatham Obituary
On Sunday, December 25, 2005, SHEILA GAY CHEATHAM of McLean, VA. Devoted mother of Chad Cheatham, Christopher R. Cheatham and the late Nathan William Cheatham. Loving sister of Carol Shivener. A Service of Remembrance will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2006 at 11 a.m. at ARLINGTON FUNERAL HOME, 3901 N. Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a scholarship fund in memory Sheila Cheatham at The Washington Institute for Conversion and Study of Judaism, PO Box 342105, W. Bethesda, MD 20827.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sheila Cheatham
Sponsored by Her Loving Son's.
JJ
December 22, 2019
You and your family are in my thoughts this holiday season as always.
May 10, 2015
Thinking of you today Mom.
Happy Mother's Day...
Dustin Cheatham
May 11, 2014
Love to you always Mom! Happy Mother's Day.
Dustin
May 13, 2012
Happy Mother's Day To Both Of You!
Love,
D
JJ
January 28, 2011
Sheila, I know that for the rest of my life not a Christmas will go by that I don't think of you. This past holiday season was no different. I know you continue to shine down on your family and friends and for me, personally, having known you gives me strength to get through most anything. Prayers to you and your sons.
d
July 11, 2010
Sheila, your legacy of love and positivity lives on in the spirit of your wondrous son, Dustin, who honors you every moment of his life by his dedication and adherence to the morals and values you so nobly inculcated into his soul. I thank you for all the love and light you shed upon the globe and hope to commune with you on some level. I wish I had the honor of knowing you when your feet still trod this world, and I wish peace and love to all who suffer your loss. May you glory in the grandeur of the eternal, and may your sons be blessed always.
Lisa Freese
April 15, 2010
Dear Dustin, dear Chad and Chris--
You may not remember me, but your mom took care of my son Jens from January 1995 until March 1998. I just found out today about her tragic loss, and the loss of Nathan. I can't tell you how sorry I am, or how blessed we have been by her life. Jens still considers her his "real" Mom, and I know I considered her one of my dearest friends. (We were in New Mexico when this happened.) In fact, the only reason I found about it at all is because I was looking on the Internet to see if she still had her daycare business, so I could recommend her to a friend. I will never forget her, and I will try to honor her memory in all I do. With much love from Lisa Freese
JJ
December 13, 2009
Sheila,
I think of you all of the time, but especially during the holidays. You will always be missed and I will always be grateful to have known you. I will say a special prayer for you and your family this year. I know you will be looking down on everyone who loves and misses you this year - as I am sure you always do.
Deb Faulkner
March 1, 2009
I'll be going about my day, and you will pop into my mind. That tells me that you are with me, as my dear, dear friend. I remember your laugh and your ambition to be the best you could be. I keep that inspiration with me as I continue my work as a teacher. You are physically gone from us, but never, never forgotten.
Dustin Cheatham
February 20, 2009
Mom,
Happy Birthday A Day In Advance. 2/21...I miss having the option of reaching out and saying hello or stopping by and giving you a hug. You will forever be missed by me mom! Love Ya! Miss Ya!!
January 23, 2009
Sheila,
You are missed tremendously. I think about you all of the time, and I know you're looking down on me. I can just feel it.
June 21, 2008
Sheila,
There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you! I am such a better mom because of your counsel. My son and I are both safe. I know you know that, but you were instrumental in ensuring that was the case. I always think it should have been me that this kind of thing happened to and not you. Thank you for always listening to me. I always wonder if I might have been able to do anything to prevent what happened. ... if only I'd listened more carefully....been less self-involved. Thank you for being there for me when I needed someone. Whatever you were going through with Nate obviously helped you be empathetic with me and my situation, and I will NEVER forget that. I wish I could do for you and your family one-tenth of what you did for me in the short time I knew you.
I especially pray for Dustin. I know he hurts.
May 11, 2008
5-11-08
Happy Mother's Day Mom.
So Close Yet So Far Away.Do Me A Favor If You Can. someone I Love Dearly Is In Need Of Some Angels Watcthing out over them. Please convey my love and I am as always,
your son who was raised right by both parents. I thank you for that. I thank you for letting me see first hand that the right choices are not always the easiest to make but they do weigh less on the mind not the heart though.
Respectfully and Lovingly
Your Son,
Dustin
February 21, 2008
Happy Birthday Mom. I love you & Miss you. We had our ups & downs but before you left this mundane plane we became friends and as an adult I treasured that! Thank you for the lessons you taught me and even the the things that I did not agree with made me a different person. They say time heals & I expect that it does but it will take some time yet... Both you and Nate are beside my bed and I pray with you guys every night. Kinda funny to have two mothers and a brother looking over me. I always say too much but I never said enough while you were with me. I love You. May GOD Bless you & Keep you and Nate!
Love,
Dustin
Dustin Cheatham
December 25, 2007
You are in My Heart and Prayers Mom! I miss you and today of all days I remember the good life lessons you have taught me. I will try to focus on the positive and not the negative and as you always said "Life is Too Short" All My Love!
Your Son Dustin
Lawrence Shivener
September 20, 2007
I am your mothers uncle and just heard about your mothers death. I am so sorry and If you would like to call me I can be reached at 325-260-4828 or 325-372-5368.
lowell shivener
September 12, 2007
I am your mothers uncle,we just found out yesterday. am so sorry. if you want to call me, my phone is 239-656-3949 or 239-770-1819.
Ann (then Bulcao) Steadman
August 31, 2007
I am learning for the first time of Sheila and Nathan's tragic death. Sheila took care of my daughter, Olivia, for 2+ years until she aged out and went to Country Day School. I used to joke that Sheila "raised my daughter" and to this day I credit her with so many of Olivia's qualities -- a cheerful outlook, outgoing nature, ability to make friends, and other positive attributes...not to mention that she managed to potty-train her! Sheila loved her sons, her extended day care family, her family and friends. She is sadly missed. I have a new hole in my heart that I didn't know existed before this week. My love to her boys and her sister. Keep the faith for her. Much love.
March 4, 2007
Chad and Chris,
I hope you two are doing well and I know you can get through this!!
kristen
Dustin Cheatham
February 21, 2007
Mom,
Not a day goes by that I do not cry at some point. The boys are doing good! They will make you proud!! I know you and YWEH have been looking over me. Happy Birth-Day MoM! This one is for you from a mere vessal of HIS ABOVE!
How is this possible
that I be so blessed
to be loved
by you?
How is this possible
that you,
beautiful as you are
be over looked
or tossed away?
How is this possible
that our two lives
would connect,
our hearts touch
our souls unite?
How is it possible
that there are
non believers?
In you I know
love is true.
In you I know
happiness is real.
In us I know
there is YWEH,
there is Grace,
there is Truth
Together I know
we are Blessed.
JC/D 2-21-07
JJ
January 19, 2007
The holidays have come and gone, and my prayers were with you all.
D Cheatham
May 14, 2006
For all you do for others
that none see but me
you shall be crowned in glory
and be known eternally
In jesus you are saved
as master was servant
you have lived humbly
you have lived with humilty
you have lived with love
you have lived with loss
yet still you revered me
yet still you recieved me
when I was poor you gave to me
when I was hungry you fed me
YOU will live with me
in all eternity
for all to see
in your beauty of spirt
the light of mine eyes
reflected in your soul
reflected in GOD's eyes
Happy Mother's Day!!
You are missed yet in a better place!
D Cheatham
May 13, 2006
Happy Mothers Day Mom! We Love you and Miss you the Cheatham Brothers!
C C & D
February 21, 2006
Happy BirthDay Mom!
I miss you!
Deb Faulkner
January 26, 2006
Today, I am in shock! I don't know if anyone will read this, but I hope so. I have known Sheila for 18 years, and did the bookkeeping for her Day Care for 16 years. She and I were Day Care Providers together in VA for several years, and helped to build a strong association for other providers. I knew in my heart that something was wrong, and today, I heard what happened. Sheila was a dear, dear friend, and I feel such a sense of loss reading the words of her death. My heart aches for her sons, and I send my love and prayers to them. Sheila often spoke to me about her efforts to help her sons, and we spent many times on the phone listening and helping one another through life's struggles. I will deeply miss our connection, and her loyalty to me as a friend. I moved to Michigan, but our friendship remained strong. I continued to do her books because we trusted each and needed each other. Now, I trust that she will continue to watch over me, and maybe she and Nathan can be together in a more peaceful place. My love and prayers to all of Sheila's Day Care clients too.
I love you Sheila,
Deb Faulkner
Barbara Morris
January 14, 2006
In mourning the loss of my friend, Sheila, it has been most helpful to come to his guest book and read the kind words of others. They, so well, express my own thoughts of and experiences with her. She was amazing with her dedication to giving such quality child care, especially in the rat race that is the D.C. metropolitan area. She was also there for me, as a friend, especially when I needed a place to stay. And, I am also reminded of how connected we all are, with entries from other states, including my immediate neighborhood in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, this past year. My deepest sympathy to all of her sons and family and to Felicia, to whom Sheila was like a mother. You remain in my thoughts and prayers.
John Wrightson
January 13, 2006
Chad,
I was so sad to learn of the tragedy that took your mom's and brother's lives. If I can be of any assistance, please don't hesitate to call.
January 6, 2006
Although we knew Sheila for only a short period, we were impressed with her warmth, quick wit, enthusiasm for her work, love for her sons, and indisputable charm. She was the type of person we could readily envision becoming a good friend, and we are saddened by the fact that she will no longer be a part of our physical lives. Nonetheless, her spirit has touched us and we will remember her fondly. She was undoubtedly an inspiration to many and will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathy to her family and friends. David & Betsy (Falls Church, VA)
Ellen Perris
January 5, 2006
Sheila watched my daughter Natalie from 0-6 months. She was one of the most knowledgable women I had ever met in regards to caring for children. She introduced me to Dr. Brazelton's books and we had the privilege of seeing him in person at a seminar with Sheila. Sheila was a wonderful woman and I am so happy we had the pleasure of knowing her. We will never forget her, she will be greatly missed!
Diane Rosenthal
January 5, 2006
I am just so saddened by Sheila's untimely death. Sheila was the first daycare provider we left our son Jonathan with during most of 2004. Upon our meeting, I found Sheila immediately to be a kind, down to earth and extremely bright woman. She was always so positive and offered parenting help whenever asked. She always encouraged the children to be independent and able to express their feelings. Jonathan still demonstrates those lessons learned at Mother Nurture Daycare. I will always remember Sheila with great admiration and fondness.
Diane Rosenthal
Sachs Sharon
January 4, 2006
It is difficult to express the sadness for loss that I feel for
Christopher, Dustin, Shelia and Nathan. Your mother was a bright light in every room she walked into. She will always be shinning her light of love,wisdom and perseverance down on the people who new and loved her. We can only thank God for the time we had with her and know we will meet again.
Elizabeth Claycomb
January 4, 2006
The Cheatham family came into my life through my mothers work. She and Sheila became friends when working at the Child Care Resource Service in San Diego California during the early eighties. My family bonded with the Cheathams on many levels. We spent countless hours together enjoying the sunshine in San Diego. Weather we were swimming in the back yard pool, at the beach, or on a road trip to Rosarita, we were always having fun. The Cheatham family helped my family adapt to living three thousand miles away from grandparents, cousins, ants and uncles. I was four years old when the Cheathams became a part of my family. On behalf of my parents; Alan and Etta Miller, my sister Joanna Bensley and myself, I want to extend my heartfelt sympathies, and to let you know that having you all in my life, in our lives has been and always will be a blessing.
Jaquie Hoopengardner
January 4, 2006
It is with a heart heavy with sorrow and sadness that I sign this guest book. I knew the Cheatham family since I was a young girl in Coronado, baby sitting Bill and Dustin. Sheila was such a source of positive reinforcement and influence on my life during my adolescent years with her attention and interest in me and my life. They were difficult times back then and Sheila and Bill both were sources of positive support and guidance to me. Oh, I was so excited when she and Bill married and when she later became pregnant with Nathan. I enjoyed so much, the time I spent with them - it impacted my life and the person I have grown to become. Unfortunately, I had lost touch over these past years but never lost hope of reconnecting - just so saddened, the circumstance. The last time I saw the Cheatham family was in Coronado when Chad was just about 2. Sheila was such a beautiful inspiration, my friend, big sister, surrogate mother, at times.... She was so dear to me and I have always held much love for her, Bill and the family in my heart and thought of them often. My heart goes out to Bill Sr., Bill Jr., Dustin, Chad and Christopher, as well as Sheila and Nathan - you are in my thoughts and prayers and always in my heart.
Thought far away, if there is anything I may do, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Love and prayers,
Jaquie Hoopengardner
On behalf of the Hoopengardner family - our sympathy and prayers are with you all.
A New Friend
January 4, 2006
In the short time I knew Shelia she taught my children and I many life enriching lessons. I look forward to the Jewish tradition of celebrating Shelia's life today at her memorial service(11 a.m.; ARLINGTON FUNERAL HOME, 3901 N. Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA)
Dustin Cheatham
January 3, 2006
Sheila Cheatham was my mother. Nathan was my younger brother and one of my best friends. My Mother was priceless and irreplacable. We had just begun the friendship part of our relationship which was awesome! I will miss her wisdom and guidance. I also know that she will be looking down on ALL her sons with love & Forgiveness!!
Edie Smith
January 3, 2006
My heart aches for Chris and Chad on the untimely death of their mother. And I grieve with all Sheila's family and friends on her passing. I will remember laughing with her and hearing what her next plan or project was going to be. I will remember the time we piled all the boys into the car and drove to Florida for spring break. I will remember how much she loved her children and wanted to keep them safe. I will remember how beautiful she was and I will miss her.
Edie
Christie Love
January 3, 2006
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Sheila's family and friends. My son, Nicholas was in her care for 2 years. She was a wonderful, supportive and nuturing influence on our lives during that time and beyond. She was truly gifted at what she did and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. Thank you Sheila.
Carly Sejas
January 3, 2006
My prayers and thoughts go out to Sheila and her family. I know Sheila and her son's from the repair facility were they brought their cars to be fixed. She was a beautiful and devoted mother. I will always remember her radiant smile and polite manner. She was truely the best customer a business could ask for. My deepest sympathy goes out to her family and friends.
Cherie Berrigan
January 3, 2006
I wanted to express my family's deepest sympathies for the loss of Sheila. She cared for 2 of my boys from 1995-1998 prior to us moving to Louisiana. She was a wonderful friend and caregiver who was loved and respected by so many. When we moved, we gave her a clock engraved to read "Touch a child's life and you touch the future". Indeed, Sheila did that and her wonderful, loving spirit will live on through all of them. May God bless and sustain you all during this difficult time.
Cherie & Kevin Berrigan & Family
Jodi Jamison
January 3, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with Sheila's family and friends at this time of great sorrow. I met Sheila through her daycare, and came to know her as a very caring mother and friend. She loved the children she cared for as if they were her own. Had it not been for my trust and confidence in her, I would've had a much harder time going back to work after my son was born, but I knew he was in good hands. My son Bradley and I will surely miss her.
Janet & Gino Genari
January 3, 2006
We were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Sheila's passing. Three of my four children went to her daycare and although they were only there for 6 months we all grew very fond of her. (We even adopted two of the kittens born to her cat in 2002.) My husband & I were introduced to Sheila at a time when we were desperate to find quality childcare & we don't know what we would have done without her. Our sincerest condolences go out to her family, friends, daycare helpers and most especially the children she looked out for on a daily basis. God bless you, Sheila...rest in peace.
Greg & Dotty Shaffer
January 3, 2006
Our sympathies go out to your family for the tragic loss of many. May God grant you peace now and every Christmas season.
Marsha Hoegle
January 3, 2006
I want to express my sincere sympathy to Sheila's family. My daughter was with Sheila for over 2 years in her daycare. She was wonderful and Samantha and I would visit her once we left. She and I spent lots of time talking when I'd get there late and we bought her Mary Kay products. She was always so full of energy and had such a positive outlook on everything. She was a good friend and will be sorely missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.
January 2, 2006
My deepest sympathies to Chris and Chad Cheatham, and to sister CArol Schivener. Shelia was a beautiful and vibrant woman who had done many admirable things in her lifetime,
Doris Rogers Cotnoir
January 2, 2006
My deepest sympathies to Chris and Chad Cheatham, and to sister Carol Schivener. Shelia was a beautiful and vibrant woman who had done many admirable things in her lifetime.Cousin Doris
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