Cheryl Lynn Jones Braden

Cheryl was born in 1951 in Lakewood, Ohio and was the oldest of four girls. "The Jones Girls", as they were known, crafted many wild exploits in their youth, generating decades of stories and laughter at family gatherings. In 1964, the family moved to Harrisonburg, Virginia. It was during this time that she met Donald Braden, the love of her life. They began dating at the tender age of 15 and from then on were inseparable. Donald and Cheryl spent the next 59 years building a beautiful life, filled with laughter, family, and unwavering love. They married in 1974, had two children, and shared many adventures. Some favorite memories include their time at the ocean, seeing Les Misérables 12 times (at Cheryl’s request), and a brief stint living in an abandoned farmhouse. As in life, Donald was by her side in her final moments.

She graduated as the valedictorian from Harrisonburg High School and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Virginia. Cheryl used her keen intellect and compassionate nature to care for patients in critical care, rheumatology, and family practice settings. She was a true renaissance woman with broad interests ranging from archaeology to art history and, to the amazement of her family, could answer most of the Jeopardy questions night after night. She sang soprano in the church choir, a skill neither of her children inherited unfortunately. She also participated in an elaborate book club with treasured friends for nearly two decades. Cheryl was a lover of nature; learning the names and calls of dozens of birds that she lured to her backyard. Many Mother’s Days were spent with the family touring Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge or various botanical gardens. Even the experience of having her toddler son topple into a koi pond in the Japanese Garden couldn’t dampen her enthusiasm for continued visits to nature reserves and gardens.

Cheryl was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, and sister. She is survived by her loving husband Donald of 50 years, her children; Kelly (Jeremy) Reynolds and Robert (Lisa) Braden; grandchildren Emma and Lane Reynolds and Jackson and Maddie Braden; father Bert Jones; sisters Linda Greenwald, Laura Young, and Barbara Feivor.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her mother, Gloria Jones.

She was a beautiful soul who will be sorely missed.

A visitation for Cheryl will be held Monday, March 17, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W Williams St, Apex, NC 27502, followed by a memorial service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Immediately after the memorial service, the family will receive family and guests at 1385 Elk River Dr Apex (community clubhouse).

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