Cheryl Kay Swail

A memorial service will be held on Saturday February 5, 2022 at the Church of the Highlands at 11:00 am with Heritage Chapel Funeral Home & Cremations, A Dignity Memorial Provider handling arrangements.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Teresa Steketee and brothers Rick and Bruce Steketee (Reina) from Kalamazoo MI.

She is survived by brother Dennis (Phyllis) of Memphis Tn. and her loving and faithful husband Clark.

Cheryl was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI. After graduating from Union High School, she attended Ferris State College. During her freshman year of college, she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and had lived with this for the past 60 years. After college, Cheryl became a model and worked on numerous TV promotions including a nationally run ad for snowmobiles. She then became a lead model for the Oldsmobile Division of General Motors traveling throughout the United States to car shows, conventions and others events. She then entered the Hospitality industry working for a 5 Star restaurant where she developed her love of cooking and baking. After moving to Houston, TX she continued with the Food and Beverage business working for the Hilton Hotel Group, where she was Director of Banquet and Special Events catering. One event she hosted was the Memorial Breakfast for President Reagan and the family members of the Challenger Shuttle tragedy. She met Clark in Houston and were married and have been together for the past 35 years. They lived in Houston until 1998 when they moved to Tuscaloosa where they have resided until her passing. Cheryl was a vivacious and high-spirited individual with a charming personality and zest for life. Although she was from the North, she adapted very quickly to the Southern way of life and loved it. She loved her life and lived it to the absolute fullest. She loved traveling, especially on cruises and had a passion for cooking / entertaining as well as volunteering her time to many charitable causes. She served many years with the West Alabama Easter Seals and was Chairperson and Co-chairman for the Mall Ball on multiple times. She attended First Presbyterian Church and Church of the Highlands. Maya Angelou said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said or did, but they will never forget how you made them feel!” Cheryl had that special ability and she made everyone she met feel important, welcome, and better after meeting her. She was a member of several organizations such as Newcomers, Encore and the University Women’s Bridge Group. She so enjoyed her Bridge Group and always treasured their company, but even more-so she loved hosting and entertaining them with something special she prepared at her home. Even though in the past couple of years when her mobility, eyesight, and dialysis treatments slowed her down, her love and companionship of her group was always there. She showed a great deal of courage and strength, never complaining or feeling any pity and always charging ahead preparing for her next adventure. She was always thinking of others with a big loving smile.

The family wants to thank friends Lynn Henry, Vali Helms and cousin Deborah Roy for being so loyal and faithful during all her challenges. Special thanks to Dr. Keith DeBell and his staff for compassionate and comforting care they have provided through the years.

The family requests memorials to be sent to your choice of any charitable organization which helps mankind or animal advocacies.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HeritageChapelTuscaloosa.com for the Swail family.