Cheryl Howell Bankhead

Beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, sister Cheryl Howell Bankhead died Thursday, September 11, 2014 at the age of 70. Stricken with cancer in 2006 she fought the disease and held it at bay for years finally succumbing to its effects peacefully, at home, surrounded by loved ones. She was a native and lifelong resident of Baton Rouge. Entering the work force later in life, she held positions at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, The Woman's Club and Southside Gardens Retirement Community until retiring due to her illness. She was an avid LSU Tiger and New Orleans Saints fan. She loved spending time with her family, working in her yard and going to the beach. She is survived by sons Jimmy, Michael, and Jeffery Bankhead; sister Nancy Howell Branton; niece Stacy Branton Coco; nephew Zachary Branton; Grandchildren Kelly, Brad, Christopher, Kory, Sarah, Mark, Kayla, Judah, Jackson, and John Michael as well as five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by mother Janie Giroir Howell, father John Spencer Howell, and sister Susan Howell. Visitation will be held at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., on Tuesday Sept. 16 from 5-8 p.m. Visitation will resume Wednesday Sept. 17 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church at 10 a.m. until mass at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the  American Cancer Society   or Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.