passed away on May 07, 2024 at the age of 68.
She was a wonderful mother who was always there when we needed her the most, offering
support, wisdom, and love in abundance. A friend to many, she was a cherished member of the
community in both Madera, Ca. and Fresno, Ca., leaving behind a legacy of kindness and
strength. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Bobby Gazaway, her loving mother in
law, Willie Gazaway, her dear niece, Jessica Hamby, and both of her parents James and Oneida
Hamby.
She leaves behind her two sons and their families, Donald (Amanda) Jones, Henry “Dan”
(Lesley) Jones, her granddaughter Savannah Jones (3), her brother Jimmy Hamby, Sister in law
Janice (Steve) Anderson, and many other nieces and nephews and countless family and friends
who felt her warmth and generosity.
Cherie was born on October 29, 1955 in Knoxville, Tennessee to James H. Hamby and
Oneida Croley. She lived in Fresno, Ca. most of her life. She graduated from Hoover High school
in 1974.
Cherie was working at the Cheese Factory when she married the love of her life Bobby at the
age of 21.
Cherie and Bobby owned and operated chevron service stations for 37 years. She also was a
bank teller where she made several dear friends that she kept even after retirement. She always
looked forward to her monthly lunch dates with the girls.
Cherie enjoyed spending time with family and friends, from many backyard bbqs and family
activities to family vacations, traveling to many places or chatting on the phone with her
granddaughter Savannah, she loved Savannah's silly facetime calls. They brightened up her
day and kept her smiling.
Cherie was the heart and soul of our family and will be missed dearly. We know she
wouldn’t want us to be sad, as her wishes were to be reunited with her loving husband whom
she missed dearly. She would want us to share memories and share laughter, and raise a glass
in celebration of her journey home.
Visitation will be Tuesday May 21, 2024 from 3-7 pm at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns and Blair Funeral Home 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, Ca.93720.
Services will be Wednesday May 22, 2024 at 11 am at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns and Blair Funeral Home 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, Ca.93720, with burial to follow at Fresno Memorial Gardens 175 S. Cornelia Ave. Fresno, Ca 93706
Reception will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns and Blair Funeral Home after the burial
