Cheryl Lynne Shaw

A former resident of Bolivar, NY; Brunswick, Me; Dahlgren, VA; Sigonella, Sicily; Washington, DC; Agana, Guam; and Munford, TN, Cheryl Lynne Cummings Shaw, passed from this life and entered the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on ?????.

In June 1968, Cheryl graduated from High School with honors, from what was then called Bolivar Central School. She played the flute in the high school orchestra, was an esteemed member of the National Honor Society, and an active member of the senior high school “Leaders Club.”

Upon completing her initial year of college at the New York State Teachers’ College in Rochester, NY, in 1969 she transferred to the School for Dental Hygienists, also located in Rochester. After completing one year at dental school, she terminated her college education to get married to John Shaw, her long-time high school sweetheart, who had recently joined US Navy.

On June 20, 1970, Cheryl and John Shaw of Bolivar, NY, (who had come back to Bolivar while on “Leave of Absence)” were married at the Bolivar Methodist Church and spent their honeymoon in Niagara Falls, NY. After their honeymoon, they traveled to Naval Air Station Brunswick, ME, where they spent the next twelve plus years growing their family. During that 12-year period at Brunswick, Cheryl gave birth to three boys, John, David, and Joshua. Also, during that 12-year period, Cheryl worked at Healthtex (a children’s clothing factory) and as a waitress at the Bradford House, a local restaurant also in Brunswick, ME.

In October of 1982, John received orders for a three-year tour at Naval Surface Weapons Center, Dahlgren, VA. While at Dahlgren, Cheryl diligently worked on base at the Navy Commissary Store.

In January 1986, John was transferred to Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily, for a three-year assignment. In September 1987, Cheryl gave birth to their daughter Sarah at the Naval Hospital at Naval Station Naples, Italy.

In June of 1989, John was transferred back to Washington DC. Cheryl started doing home day care for children of Active-Duty personnel.

In June of 1991, John received orders to report to Naval Air Station, Agana, Guam. While there, Cheryl home schooled their children and continued to work as a Navy Sponsored Home Day Care Provider for babies and preschool children of active-duty Navy personnel.

In June of 1994, John was transferred back to Washington DC, where Cheryl once again worked as a Home Day Care Provider.

In April 1996, John received orders to report to then called, Naval Air Station Memphis, TN. Cheryl continued to homeschool Joshua and Sarah until they both graduated from high school.

During both of their overseas tours with the Navy, John, Cheryl and the children took advantage of using Military Space A aircraft to travel to various locations in Europe, Hawaii and in Southeast Asia.

John and Cheryl went on numerous cruises onboard the Holland America Cruise Lines. These special cruises sailed to various destinations in the Caribbean called the Malt Shop Memories Cruise. These cruises featured several original music groups from the 50’s and 60’s. Cheryl loved the music, personally enjoyed meeting several members of these iconic music groups, and totally enjoyed relaxing during each cruise.

Cheryl was a Godly wife and mother. She spent numerous hours daily teaching and training their children in practical matters and how to live for the Lord. She must have done an outstanding job, since all their children became Christians, and three of our four children earned college degrees.

Cheryl is survived by her husband John; children John, David, Joshua, and Sarah; her sisters Lindy, Kim, Jennie; brothers Mark and David; and seven grandchildren and one great grandson.

As a result of Cheryl receiving several years of Hospice care, we would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the wonderful personnel from Gentiva, Dyersburg, TN. Although there were other fine Gentiva members that helped as well, we would like to specifically recognize Cindy Ralph (Cheryl’s Case Manager Nurse); Heather Sims (Cindy’s Assistant Nurse); Melissa McDonald (her Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA)), Ashton Tritt (Melissa’s Assistant CNA), and Jesse Hopkins, the Hospice Chaplain. It was apparent these individuals certainly loved and deeply cared for Cheryl. May God Richly Bless each one of them for their love for and dedication to the welfare of Cheryl.

Cheryl will be greatly missed by her husband John, her children, grandchildren, and other family members and friends. But we know that she is in a far better place in Heaven with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and that makes all the difference in the world! Remember, to KNOW Jesus, there is real lasting joy and peace; however, if there is NO Jesus in your life as your Lord and Savior, there is no real lasting joy and peace.

Thank you all, and God Bless!

A visitation will be held at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, located at 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN, 38133, on February 19, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.

The funeral service will follow at the same location on February 19, 2026, at 10:00 am, with reception following.