Cheryl Darlene Thornton Dobson passed away Sunday, February 23, 2025, with family and caregivers by her side. She is survived by her daughter, Sumer (Clint) Kohler of Central, LA, and two sons Guy (Cindy) DeMars of Petal, MS and Todd (Jodie) DeMars of Everton, AR, her grandchildren Tiffany (James) Kent, Derrick (Amber) DeMars, Erin (Ben) Austin, Brett Skinner, Andrew Skinner, Nicholas Kohler and great grands Oliver & Roxanne Austin, Jade DeMars, Karissa and Kaleb Kent, special nieces, a nephew and their families.
Cheryl was predeceased by parents Norman and Euna Belle Thornton of Liberty, MS and by sister Delphine (Pearlie) Thornton McAllister of Denham Springs, LA, and husband Ken Dobson, Sr. of Central, LA.
A little over 80 years ago on July 5, 1944, Cheryl was born in Amite County, MS. As a young girl she preferred the outside chores, bush hogging the pasture, planting and tending the garden, fishing or helping her daddy skin a squirrel for her mother to cook up. She loved her Savior and Lord Jesus and worshiped with the believers at Siloam and Zion Hill Baptist Churches.
She was accepted into St. Dominic's School of Nursing after graduating high school. Cheryl packed her bags and moved to Jackson at just 17 years old. For the next three years she developed hard skills and a love for what would be her career for the next 40 years - a RN Surgery Nurse. Beyond retirement she used every opportunity to care for others, show compassion and empathy for those hurting. until just days ago.
Even more than the love she had for nursing was greater the love she had for family.  In 1965 she gained a stepson, in 1967 she birthed a son, and finally her caboose came ten years later, a little red-haired girl. Cheryl and Ken made their home in Central, LA and opened it to friend and family willingly. They loved to cook together, camp and fish together, with their Boston terrier pups at their heels.
A graveside service is scheduled for 11:00a.m. Saturday, March 1 at Jacob's Cemetery located on Highway 567 at the crossing of Rollinson Road. All are welcome to gather with us there.
Our deepest thanks to the employees and volunteers of Petal's Bedford Care Center who took more of the load in helping us care for Cheryl with love and dignity these last few years.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be sent to The Gideon's International who provide Bibles to nearly 200 countries. We can think of no better way to honor Cheryl's memory and love for her Lord, than providing God's Word to others. www.gideons.org