Joann "Freeman" Cherry

Shelby, Joann Freeman Cherry, age 69, peacefully transitioned on January 10th 2026 at Atrium Cleveland in Shelby NC after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on March 1st, 1956 in Boiling Springs, NC to late Roosevelt Carl Freeman and LenaBell Green Freeman.

JoAnn was a Class of 1974 graduate from Crest High School and was proud to be a Crest Charger. After graduating from high school, JoAnn's career path was defined by a remarkable ability to adapt which led her to a variety of roles such as cooking at Gardner Webb University, becoming a garment presser at Bill's One Hour Cleaners, and various other positions that showcased her versatile and diverse set of skills.

JoAnn was known for her ability to sew, cook, and draw. She enjoyed such things as watching birds with Blue Jays and Cardinals being her favorite, always making sure to blow 3 kisses to every Cardinal she saw. She was an avid watcher of soap operas, and loved music and dancing. She was a true example of the scripture Proverbs 18:24 which states "A man who has friends must himself be friendly," and JoAnn was a friend to many. However her one achievement that she was most proud of and took the greatest joy in was being a mother. Through many sacrifices, tears, and joy she persevered and cared for her 3 children, helped with her 6 grandchildren, and was excited to become a great grandmother. JoAnn leaves behind a legacy of love, joy, and feistiness. She will forever be loved and remembered by everyone who's life she touched.

In addition to her parents Roosevelt Freeman and LenaBell Freeman, JoAnn was preceded in death by three sisters, Lilly Freeman, Tempie Baccus, and Mamie Lattimore; two brothers, Bobby Freeman Sr and Ronnie Freeman; her husband of 24 years, Douglas Cherry Sr; a mother-in-law, Bessie Martin Cherry; Two sister-in-laws, Blondine Forbes and Loretta Taylor; and Two brother-in-laws, John Cherry and George Cherry.

Left to cherish fond memories are her three children, Shevella Rena Cherry, Douglas Gene Cherry Jr and Catrinca Latrice Cherry; Six grandchildren, Briana Marie Cherry, Aliyah Nichol Cherry, Moriah Annari Renee Cherry, Joe Nathan Bryant III, Camya Olliena Marie Cherry, and Douglas Gene Lewis Cherry; One great grandson, Jakobi Alexander Whitson; One sister, Rosie Fuller; Two brothers, Carl Freeman and Jimmy Freeman (Ellen); One Sister-in-Law Margaret Freeman; One Brother-in-Law, Robert Forbes; a special niece whom she helped raise, Ebony Perry; two bonus sons Lamar Brewton and Lastanza Brewton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family will be receiving friends at the home of her daughter, 117 Grier Street Grover, NC 28073

Funeral: Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 3:00pm at Green Bethel ( Boiling Springs, NC); the family will receive friends 30 mins prior to the service

Burial: Family Cemetery ( 1521 Freeman Road Bostic, NC 28018 )