Cheryl Campbell Whisnant

Cheryl was born on November 4, 1944 in Vallejo, California to Neal and Karen Smith Campbell while her father was serving in the Navy during World War II. Her family returned to their hometown of Greenville, South Carolina while Cheryl was an infant, and she grew up attending Greenville public schools. Cheryl graduated from Winthrop College with a BA in English in 1967.

In the fall of 1968 Cheryl met the love of her life, Ralph Whisnant, when he knocked on her apartment door to watch “Laugh In” on her roommate’s color TV. After a whirlwind courtship, they married in September 1969. Ralph’s work moved them to New Jersey and Tennessee, before returning to Greenville where they settled for the next thirty years.

Cheryl worked as a teacher and a social worker, where she found rewarding service in adoptions. After leaving full-time employment, Cheryl volunteered with organizations around Greenville, including United Ministries, the Historical Society, and Friends of the Library. As a volunteer coordinator and president of the Friends of the Library, Cheryl was instrumental in raising funds for the new Taylors (Burdette) branch library.

An elementary school teacher’s slide show presentation instilled in Cheryl a love of England and all things British. She and Ralph made their first trip to England in 1993, and returned six times to explore the gardens and castles of England, Scotland, and Wales. Cheryl treasured many keepsakes from those trips.

Ralph passed away in 2023, leaving an enormous hole in Cheryl’s life. She missed him every day. In addition to her husband, Cheryl was predeceased by her parents and precious grandparents Floyd and Olfria Langston Smith.

Cheryl is survived by daughters Heather Cross of Chattanooga, TN and Alicia Wyatt of Apex, NC. Cheryl felt very blessed in her sons-in-law Jeffrey and Josh. She said many times that she was lucky her daughters had chosen well and were in good hands. Grandchildren were a special treasure to Cheryl, and she delighted in her role as Mama Cherry to grandchildren Teddy, Zachary, Lexi, Millie, Lydia, and Archer.

The oldest of seven, Cheryl is survived by sisters Candy Wilson of Greer, SC; Pat Barham of Coeur d’Alene, ID; Dawn (Mike) Reese of Piedmont, SC; brothers Bob (Jane) of Taylors, SC; Russ (Liz) of Carson City, NV; and Heath (Amy) of Bonneau, SC. There are also many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins who still walk upon the earth.

A memorial celebration will be held Saturday, October 17th at 2pm at Mt Zion Baptist Church, located at 600 Mt Zion Church Road in Casar, NC.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Thornwell Children’s Home; C/O Mission Advancement; 302 South Broad Street; Clinton, SC 29325-2507 or The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research; P.O. Box 5014; Hagerstown, MD 21741.