Ollie Hunt Cherry

Ollie Hunt Cherry, 92, entered her heavenly home surrounded by the love of a family forever shaped by her grace, strength, and compassion. Born in Randolph County to the late Claud and Roxie Hunt, Ollie graduated from Asheboro High School and attended East Carolina University. She went on to serve others through her work at Asheboro High School and Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, bringing warmth and steadiness to every place she touched.

Ollie lived life fully, joyfully, and always for others. She expressed love the way she knew best—through food made from scratch, shared generously with family, friends, neighbors, and shut-ins. Feeding others was her love language, and through countless meals, she cultivated comfort, connection, and community.

In 1988, Ollie and her daughter Karol opened Cherries Café, which quickly became a beloved Clemmons landmark and gathering place for more than 30 years. Its legacy of hospitality, kindness, and truly great food will live on in the memories of all who passed through its doors—many of whom left feeling more like family than customers.

Ollie’s giving spirit extended far beyond her kitchen. She gave quietly and without fanfare, offering her time, support, and resources to those in need, always ensuring that others received the praise rather than herself. Her generosity—to charities, to her church, and to individuals she helped privately—was immense but intentionally unnoticed. She believed the greatest acts of love were done humbly.

She was preceded in death by her devoted and loving husband, Charlie Cherry; her daughters Kathy Cherry Needham (Larry) and Karen Cherry Houston (Sandy); her sisters Lucille, Ruby, and Joann; and her brother Grady.

She is survived by her daughter, Karol Cherry; her grandchildren Nikki Cherry Crofoot (Andy), Katie Needham Lopienski (John), Suzanne Needham (Jon), Derek Houston (Lexi), Drew Houston (Fran), Reid Raisig (Melanie), and Zack McGill. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren—Madison, Jacob, Judson, Ruby, Decker, Leo, Benji, and Hayes—each of whom brought her immeasurable pride and joy. Ollie held a special place in her heart for her nieces Edna, Lori, and Jessie, and for her dear friend Donna Alexander.

A gifted artist, painter, and craftsperson, Ollie saw beauty everywhere. To her, food itself was an art form—an expression of love, care, and creativity. Her home was always filled with laughter, warmth, and the joy of togetherness. Family traditions, especially the treasured Christmas Eve Lovefeast, were woven through her life and will continue on in her honor.

The world is less joyous without Ollie’s presence, but it is undeniably better because she was part of it. Countless lives were molded, uplifted, and forever changed by her unwavering character, her quiet strength, her boundless compassion, and her remarkable, enduring love. To have known her was to be blessed.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 13th at 4:00 PM at Clemmons Moravian Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Asheboro City Schools Education Foundation (memo: Kathryn Cherry Needham Memorial Scholarship) ACES P.O Box 1103, Asheboro, NC 27204 or to Clemmons Moravian Church.

A limb has fallen from the family tree.

I keep hearing a voice that says

Grieve not for me, remember the best times,

The laughter, the song

The good life I have lived, while I was strong.

Continue my heritage I am counting on you.

Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease. My soul is at rest.

Remember all, how truly I was blessed.

Continue my tradition, no matter how small

Go on with your life, don't worry about falls.

So keep up your chin until the day comes we're together again.

My mind is at ease. My soul is at rest.

Remember all, how truly I was blessed.

Continue my tradition, no matter how small

Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls.

So keep up your chin until the day comes we’re together again.