Cherrie Dean Markham

Cherrie Markham, dearly loved wife, sister, teacher, daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend arrived in Heaven on September 28, 2025. She loved Jesus and spent her life serving Jesus and those around her.

Cherrie was born in Tahoka, Texas into a Christian home. Her father was a Baptist preacher and her mother was a schoolteacher, and she had one older brother, Jerrell. Her early years were spent in Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico.

She met the love of her life, Doyle, at 14 years old and married him at 19. Soon after, they moved to Fort Collins, Colorado to pursue their education. They raised two small children while attending college and graduate school, and Cherrie graduated from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO with a master's in business education.

In 1972, Cherrie and Doyle moved their family to Idaho Falls, ID for Doyle to work at the Idaho National Lab and Cherrie began her teaching career. Cherrie taught jr. high math for 22 years and claimed you had to be a little crazy to teach jr. high. Her students often remarked that her love of teaching made math fun for them.

Cherrie and her family were active members in their church and were a part of planting Falls Baptist Church in Idaho Falls. They enjoyed many years with their church and considered them to be family as well.

Cherrie was incredibly creative and a talented painter, seamstress, and decorator. She painted many beautiful landscapes that hang in the homes of family and friends, won a state "Make it With Wool" contest in high school, and fashioned many outfits for herself and daughter. She also designed their beautiful farm home, ensuring their hexagonal living area's windows had perfect views of their llama pastures.

Cherrie and her family enjoyed the outdoor opportunities that Colorado and Idaho offered and spent much of their time camping, hunting and fishing. In the early 80s, they bought their first llama and began raising llamas as pack animals and sheep herders. Cherrie was known around town as the "Llama Lady" and much of her time was spent caring for the animals and their farm. During this time they also raised sheep, grew alfalfa, and managed rental and storage properties. They were hard workers who believed in the motto "work hard, play hard".

Cherrie spent many years caring for her husband as he battled lymphoma. In 2003 Doyle lost his battle with cancer. Following this loss, she relocated to Lake Jackson, TX to be close to her children and grandchildren.

In Lake Jackson, Cherrie found a new place to minister. Her grief gave her a tender heart towards those experiencing hardship, and she loved giving her time to those who needed a friend through life's ups and downs. She was particularly drawn toward other widows who needed care and friendship in their later years. She also enjoyed serving at First Baptist Church and loved the people there.

Cherrie is preceded in death by her beloved Doyle, son Kris, parents O.J. and Dollie Welch, and brother Jerrell. What a heavenly welcome she received! She is survived by her daughter Tammy (Ron) Parker, grandchildren Ryan (Lauren) Parker, Rebecca (John) Bryant, Garrett, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Saturday November 22, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Lake Jackson, Texas. The memorial service will follow immediately after at 11:00 AM at the same location.