Frances Cherry

Obituary For Frances Cherry

With deep sadness and profound love, we announce the passing of Frances Jean Robinson Cherry, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and dedicated nurse, who went home to be with the Lord on August 4, 2026, in her hometown of Sarasota, Florida. Born on November 15, 1943, Frances lived a life defined by faith, family, and a sincere heart for helping others.

A proud and compassionate caregiver, Frances earned an Associate of Science degree in Nursing. She found great fulfillment in helping others through her work, serving as a Registered Nurse at Sarasota Memorial Hospital for 10 years, bringing her exceptional skills to Blake Hospital, and ultimately retiring from the Sarasota County Health Department in 2006.

Her faith was a quiet anchor in her life. Frances was a member of both New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church. She found great strength and comfort in the Word of God, often turning to Scripture for guidance and daily peace. Among the passages she held closest to her heart, one of her favorite and most referenced scriptures was Psalm 23:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (King James Version)

Its timeless promise of the Lord as her shepherd, leading her beside still waters and restoring her soul, was a truth she carried with her always and shared warmly with those she loved.

For 60 beautiful years, Frances was the loving and devoted wife of Laurence Cherry. Together, they built a family rooted in love, strength, and integrity. Her memory will be forever protected and cherished by her beloved daughters and their families: Dr. Monica Cherry; Stefanie Brown and her husband Gary; Stacie Cherry Johnson; and Andrea Lee and her husband DeMone. Frances was the incredibly proud grandmother to her beautiful grandchildren, Essence Wilcox, John Wilcox III, Javon Brown, Chayse Lee, and Andreas Lee.

Her legacy will also be warmly remembered by her family on the paternal side: her dearly loved niece, Natalie Lampkin; her half-sister, Carolyn Robinson Wheeler; her half-brothers, Curtis Robinson Sr. and Clyde Robinson Jr. (Sporty); and her cousins, Julia Hugan (Brownie) and Deborah Lawton.

Frances leaves behind a rich ancestral heritage, preceded in death by her parents, Ethel Rainey Munnings and Clyde Robinson Sr. On her maternal side, she was preceded by her grandparents, Reverend Dr. Tom Streeter and Willie Mae Streeter (affectionately known as “Honey”); her great-grandmother, Florida Lillian Major; and her uncle, Eddie Lee Rainey Jr. On her paternal side and extended family, she was preceded by her paternal grandmother, Sarah Robinson; her half-siblings, Jacqueline Robinson Lampkin and Cheryl Robinson; and her cousin, Paulette Pinkston.

Her life was further enriched by a circle of special and dear close friends who meant the world to her and stood by her side during her lifetime: Izetta Fields, Sophie Lee, Frankie Lee Collier, Carolyn Ball, and Shirley Chapman.

In accordance with her explicit wishes, funeral services will be held privately for selected family members and close friends to honor her life in an intimate setting. The family respectfully requests privacy during this time, and there will be no repass following the service. Your prayers, love, and support are deeply appreciated.

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