Cheryl was born in Lynchburg to Patricia Ann (Harper) Harris and Billy Eugene Harris. Cheryl and her mother were best friends throughout their lifetime and Patricia passed away just four months before her daughter, Cheryl.
Cheryl attended Brookville High School before completing her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Lynchburg College. She was a reporter at the Bowie Blade in Maryland and then editor and reporter for The News & Advance in Lynchburg. She worked to earn her teaching license from Lynchburg College and taught at Altavista, Leesville Road, and Thomas Jefferson Elementary Schools. She was an excellent teacher and made a big impact on both her students and her colleagues.
Cheryl married her husband, Gary, on May 28th, 1983. They lived together in Bowie, Maryland, Bermuda and Lynchburg, VA. Cheryl enjoyed traveling, going on adventures, home décor and design, cooking for family holiday events, and spending time with her family – especially her grandchildren. Cheryl was known for being selfless, compassionate, strong, smart, having a kind and giving heart, positive attitude, and great sense of humor. She always saw the best in each person, right from the start. She was a believer in Christ and tried to live her life in a Godly way.
Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Patricia Harris and Billy Harris; mother-in-law, Shirley (Woodford) Mountcastle; and granddaughter, Amber Moorman.
She is survived by her husband, Gary Mountcastle; twin children, Jacob Mountcastle and Hallie (Mountcastle) Moorman (Kevin); grandchildren, Madelyn Moorman and Graham Moorman; brothers, Terry Harris (Nancy) and Brandon Harris (Jessica); nieces, Megan, Elizabeth, Allison, Kara, and Samantha; and nephew, Tyler.
Cheryl’s Celebration of Life service will be held at Whitten Timberlake Chapel on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at 2 PM with Pastor Ben Moore of Timberlake Christian Church officiating. A private graveside service will occur at a later date.
