Cheryl Aline (Strachan) Stewart

Cheryl Aline Strachan Stewart went to be in the arms of her Savior in the evening of Thursday, September 3, 2026. She was 79 years old. Cheryl was the only child born to Jack and Norma Lee Strachan. She grew up in Mobile, Alabama, where she graduated from Bishop Toolen Catholic High School (Class of ’65) and Springhill College. After attending Springhill, Cheryl went on to work in the data processing division for Mobile County, where she eventually retired after 30 years of service. She also served as the secretary for the Mobile Jaycees for 10 years.

36 years ago, Cheryl met the love of her life, Bart Smith. They were opposites in every way, but that is what made the magnetism of their relationship so strong. Cheryl had an astounding love for animals in all varieties, and she and Bart adopted multiple cats, dogs, and even opossums over the years. If she’d had a farm, they’d be overrun. She would laugh at some of Bart’s antics, but she was mostly entertained when their fur babies were showing out. Cheryl had lived a pretty sedate life until she met Bart. He, being the more adventurous one, would try to introduce new experiences to Cheryl. Case and point: After much cajoling, Bart convinced Cheryl to go to a car race with him. She fell in love with the hobby, and soon they were taking mini-vacations to several car tracks.

Cheryl was a devout Catholic. When traveling out of town, the first thing she would do is find a parish to attend Mass. She held her religion very close to her heart. Cheryl was a straight-shooting, to the point kind of woman, but that didn’t keep her from being the most loving and generous person in the room. When Cheryl’s parents and aunt were living, she doted on and spoiled them with everything she had. Cheryl was an only child, but she had many cousins.

To say there will be a void now that Cheryl has left us would be an understatement. She was such a big part of many people’s lives for so long that it will take some time for the sting to lessen. But we can take solace in the fact that we know she is at peace and in the arms of the Lord she loved so much.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Norma Lee Strachan; and one aunt, Rosemary Chambliss.

She is survived by her loving husband, Bart Smith; two step-daughters, Toni (Jacob) Mathews and Kala (Demetrius) Bedford; one step-son, Michael (Alexis) Reeves; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three cousins, Steve (Karen) Chambliss, David Chambliss, and Michael Chambliss; a cousin who was very close to her heart, Janice; as well as other cherished friends.

Visitation for Cheryl will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Mobile, Alabama, with a reciting of the Rosary immediately following. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1 p.m. with entombment in the mausoleum at Pine Crest Cemetery concluding services.