Cheryl Rose Gernon

February 28, 1950 – November 16, 2025

Cheryl Rose Gernon, a radiant light to her family and friends, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, at the age of 75. She was a woman defined by her enduring faith and her fierce, unconditional love for her family.

Cheryl was a faithful and grateful believer in Jesus Christ and the power of prayer. For Cheryl, the saying of "a mustard seed of faith" was never in her vocabulary, as she was blessed with a mountain of faith that she generously shared with everyone she encountered. She was a living testament to Christ’s love and served as a spiritual beacon, teaching those around her the true meaning of grace and unconditional love.

Her wisdom and optimism were best captured in her two favorite sayings:

• "Son, today is the first day of the rest of your life."

• "Keep a smile on your face and a rainbow over your shoulder."

Cheryl's greatest loves in life were Jesus, her son, her family, President Trump and Joel Osteen. She was the best friend and biggest supporter to her only son, James Elliot Lee. Though she was always honest about the choices he made, her devotion was absolute, often sharing the powerful words, "I may not like the choices you made, but I will always love you."

Cheryl is proceeded in death by:

Sisters:

Geraldine Gray

Judith Martin

Kathy Gernon

Denise Seibert

Brothers:

Wayne Gernon

Gary Gernon

Cheryl leaves behind a beautiful legacy carried on by her devoted family:

• Son: James Elliot Lee

• Grandchildren: Skyla Thamm and Kailey Thamm

• Great-Grandchildren: Dustin Powell, Hollis Holder, Eleanor Olecki, and the soon-to-be-born Scarlett Olecki

• Sisters: Alice Laramore and Dale Gernon

She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews from her family and her late husband’s family, Jay Lee, all of whom she loved very much.

Cheryl’s heart and home were always open, extending her unconditional love to her cherished "adoptive children": Kevin Sweezy, Russell Payne, Michelle Hairston, Sheila Pearson, and Michael Huffman.

Special Acknowledgement

The family extends a special thank you to Savannah McCollum and Cheryl Scarbourough for the compassionate care provided for her in her final weeks of life.

Celebration of Life

The family asks that all who knew her, and all family members and friends, attend her funeral not to mourn the loss of her life on Earth, but to Celebrate her life and joyous homecoming with Jesus Christ.

Funeral Service Details:

• Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025

• Visitation: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

• Celebration of Life Service: Begins at 2:00 PM

• Location: Brookside Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, Texas 77039

Thank you and God Bless.