Shirley M "Cheri" Wilkinson

Shirley "Cheri" Marie Wilkinson was born in Newark, New Jersey on October 22, 1958. As the first born to Kenneth and Betty Wilkinson, Shirley was celebrated and loved by her parents who were so proud of their baby girl. Shirley entered into eternal peace on October 14, 2022.
Shirley was affectionately known as "Cheri", by those who knew and loved her. She graduated from Plainfield High School in 1976, where she was a very talented "Twirler" with the Plainfield High School Marching Band. Shirley participated in many High School events and enjoyed spending time with her friends.
After graduating from Plainfield High School, Shirley attended Virginia State University and then transferred to Morgan State University. She was very active in student activities and embraced college life.
Shirley began employment after college in the corporate sector as an Administrative Assistant, Executive Secretary, Event Planner, Office Manager and a member of the faculty, at Sawyer Business School, where she taught "business etiquette" and was loved by her students.
Shirley did not have any children of her own, but she embraced her nephews (Justin, James, Jordan and Ryan) with love, laughter and many happy memories, especially during the holidays.
Shirley had an excellent sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. She was very witty and funny and had a beautiful smile.
Interior Design was Shirley's passion and she loved to decorate and help others to do the same. She was very creative and would make her own jewelry, if she could not find what she wanted.
Shirley's friends were special to her and remembered throughout the years through stories, memories, smiles, laughter and love.
Shirley was brave, confident in herself and held strong to her faith throughout her journey. She loved the Lord, and she knew that HE was by her side. She will be missed, and the happy memories will remain with her family and friends, held together with love.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents: Kenneth Wilkinson and Betty Marie Wilkinson, Brother: Kenneth Wilkinson, Jr.; Grandparents: Edward and Cora Wilkinson (Middleburg, Kentucky) and Harold and Julia (Robinson) Brown (East Orange, NJ); Uncles: Ambers (Edith) Wilkinson, Sr., Carl Wilkinson, Hobart (Barbara) Wilkinson, Paul Wilkinson, Sr., Garnett Sweeney, Dr. Herman Brown and Harold Brown; Aunts: Beulah (Sylvester) Pack, Edith (Marshall) Patton, Ruby (James) Edwards and Ruth (Earnest) Goins.
Shirley's memory will be forever cherished by her three sisters: Kenetta Grundy (James), Nina Wilkinson and Gina Billups; Nephews: James Grundy, III, Ryan Downer, Justin Billups and Jordan Billups; Aunt: Bertha Sweeney (Liberty, Kentucky) and a host of family and friends too numerous to name. Visitation is Saturday 1-3 PM with a 1:30 PM service at Oliverie Funeral Home 125 S. Cooks Bridge Rd Jackson. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Mary's Place by the Sea 22 Main Ave Ocean Grove, NJ 07756.