Thelma Irene Cherrington

Thelma Irene Cherrington, 91, resident of Fort Myers, Florida passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, surrounded by her family. Mrs. Cherrington was born Thelma Kidwell in Columbus, Ohio August 26, 1934. Thelma’s beloved husband James (Jim) predeceased her in May of 2020. Her loving son Kenneth (spouse Beverly) predeceased her in November 2021. Thelma was also predeceased by her brothers, Everett, Floyd, Carl and Charles Kidwell, and sisters Eleanor Boehm, and Virginia Wathley.

Thelma is survived by her two sons, James Raymond, and Kevin Allen (spouse JoAnn); grandchildren Ashley (Jonathan) Beesley, Brittney (Houston) Mixon, and Christy Cherrington (fiancée Richard Dumont), six great grandchildren (Matthew, Haley, Gregory, Ann Marie, Oliver and Thea) and several nieces and nephews.

Thelma and Jim were active members of the Eastern Star (Lorraine Chptr. #1) for more than 50 years. In addition to being an amazing mother and grandmother, Thelma was a seamstress, making fancy dresses for proms and weddings. She loved children and started a home day care business caring for many boys and girls over the years. Thelma was famous for her pies, gum drop cookies, and fried chicken. Her passion for baking was passed on to her granddaughter Ashley, a professional pastry chef. The rest of the family has her sweet tooth!

A private family burial service will be held at Oakridge Cemetery, Delaware, Ohio followed by a celebration of life for family and friends. Details will be shared at a later date.

To honor the lives of Thelma and James Cherrington, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association: Alzheimer's Association | Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Help to support research to find a cure for Alzheimer’s and dementia.