Rev. Cheryle Milligan Touchton, also affectionately known as Aunt Cheryle or GiGi by many, passed away at her home in Jacksonville, FL on November 14, 2019 at the age of 67 surrounded by loved ones after a battle with cancer.
The funeral arrangements are as follows: The family will receive guests Monday, November 18, 2019 from 6-8pm at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held at Southside Baptist Church (1435 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL) Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 10:00 am. The service will be livestreamed (https://ssbc.church/gather/media) for those unable to attend, followed in the fellowship hall by a light lunch with time for sharing favorite memories concluding with graveside services at 2pm at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park.
Cheryle is preceded in death by her son, David Paul Touchton, her parents Cecil and Grace Milligan and her Aunt Catherine Herrington and Uncle Robert Herrington, whom she affectionately referred to as her second parents.
Cheryle is survived by her high school sweetheart and loving husband of 48 years of marriage, Robert Touchton; her children Christopher (Whitney) Touchton and Kelley (Erick) Pekarek; grandchildren Noah, Ava, and Ella Touchton; Abigaile, Frederick and Georgia Pekarek; her brother Vaughan (Louise) Milligan; sister-in-law Susan (John) Boggs; nephews Joshua Blanton (Penny), Jeremy Blanton, Jim (Lauren) Milligan and Bill Milligan.
Cheryle was beloved by many and befriended people from all walks of life, everywhere she went. Both her lifelong best friend Nancy Edwards and her “ministry sister” Cathy Tubbs were not only treasured and faithful friends but also a part of her round-the-clock care team and a true example of what faithful friendship looks like.
Cheryle was born August 21, 1952 in Jacksonville, Florida. She attended Ruth N. Upson Elementary, John Gorrie Junior High School and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1970. She went on to obtain her B.A. in Music Education from the University of Florida in 1975, studied for her Masters of Music Education at University of North Florida from 1978-80, received her MBA from Jacksonville University in 1989, and studied at the John Leland Center for Theological Studies for a Masters in Christian Leadership from 2017-18.
Cheryle was a music teacher/music school owner of Jacksonville Yamaha School of Music then joined her husband in starting a software development firm PathTech Software Solutions, Inc. Her final career and passion was as an Evangelist/Author with journeys across America in an RV as the Pocket Full of Quarters Lady which evolved into founding Pocket Full of Change Ministries. This ministry has been a part of leading thousands of people to Jesus in unusual settings like Mardi Gras and Bonnaroo.
Cheryle had many interests throughout her life. She gave countless hours to her beloved 12-step organization, Overeaters Anonymous, sharing her experience, strength and hope with many, and even served on its International Board of Trustees. She was a pianist, clarinetist and a Majorette. She was a community leader in Jacksonville serving on the Board of Governors with the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. She was active in her various church homes in Gainesville, Phoenix, State College, Arlington, VA and Jacksonville.
Cheryle was known for her inclusive and accepting spirit. She never met a stranger, and all were welcome in her home. There were no in-laws and family was never bound by genetics. Cheryle had a particular heart for those left on the margins of society and followed after God’s heart for justice. Her fitting life verse was the Greatest Commandment Luke 10:27 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Above all else, Cheryle was a follower of Jesus and spent her life living out the Great Commission: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19
Her life motto was simply: Love God. Love People. Give the Gospel. Blow Bubbles.
Please leave words of comfort and condolences for the family at HGriversidefuneralhome.com. Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Boulevard is proudly serving the family.
If you prefer to make a donation in Rev. Cheryle's honor, in lieu of flowers donations can be made to Pocket Full of Change Ministries, PO Box 51205, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32240.
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