Cherry Sweeney

Cherry Lynn (Holman) Sweeney, a beloved partner, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025, at the age of 56, following a five-year battle with cancer. She was at home, surrounded by her family and friends. Cherry was born in Rock Island, Illinois, to James and Gladys Holman on September 11, 1968. She was their fourth and final child.

Cherry attended grade school in Illinois and high school in Ava, Missouri. She completed her college education at OTC. Cherry's lifelong love for gymnastics began as a child, competing all the way to the Junior Olympics. She would go on later in life to own her own gymnasium, CherNastic's Gymnastics, in Ava, Missouri, and coached children from surrounding areas. Her gymnasts competed both recreationally and professionally, including both Elite and USA Gymnastics gymnasts. She also spent 20 years working as an accountant and was a store manager for Casey’s for several years in Seymour.

Cherry is survived by her life partner, George Odell III, her children, Shanna Champion (David Champion) of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Tiffany Heil (Andrew Heil) of Clarksville, Arkansas, and Jonathan "JJ" Larsen (Crystal Coale) of Springfield, Missouri, bonus sons, Jeffrey Larsen (Amanda Larsen) of Springfield, Missouri, and Michael Sweeney (Michelle Sweeney) of The Netherlands, bonus daughters, Jennifer Sweeney of Florida, and Paula Marie Moien (Jeffery Moien) her siblings, Joann Land (James Land) of Orion, Illinois, James "Leroy" Holman of Seymour, Missouri, James "Jim" Ferrey (Yoli Ferrey) of Morrison, Illinois, and Elizabeth Burge (Jason Burge) of Morrison, Illinois, twenty-one grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a multitude of nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Cherry was preceded in death by her spouse, Charles Sweeney, her father, James Holman, her mother, Gladys Holman, a brother, Danny Holman, a grandson, Gabriel Ferreira, several aunts, uncles and other family members.

Cherry's true love was spending time with her twenty-two grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She truly loved being a caregiver to others. While her children were growing up, she was actively involved in the community. She was a coach for the Special Olympics and Sporting Chance in various sports in both Webster and Wright Counties. She also maintained a position on the Missouri School for the Blind Parent's Board. Cherry enjoyed spending her time gardening, painting crafts, kayaking, camping, and cruising. She truly enjoyed the outdoor life! She will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing her.