Cheryl passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026, in Waco, Texas. She was born on March 9, 1954, in Houston, Texas, to John Dawson Watts and Barbara Avera Watts, who preceded her in death.

A celebration of Cheryl's life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Crestview Church of Christ. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Cheryl loved color and found joy in celebrating life, so her family invites everyone attending to honor her memory by wearing bright colors, cheerful patterns, or whatever makes you feel your very best.

Growing up in Houston, Cheryl treasured time spent at her family's beach house in Galveston. Some of her happiest childhood memories were made fishing, crabbing, and enjoying the Texas coast. She was energetic and adventurous, with a love for baseball, softball, and country dancing that continued well into adulthood.

Cheryl graduated from Westchester High School in Houston in 1972. She later made Waco her home, where she faithfully served both her church and her community. Since 2000, she had been a devoted member of Crestview Church of Christ, and beginning in 2004, she became a cherished part of the staff at the Crestview Church of Christ Community Center.

Service was not simply something Cheryl did—it was who she was. She joyfully gave her time and heart to organizations including Mission Waco, Night to Shine, and Second Chances. Through Mission Waco's Christmas Toy Store and the church's youth group, she touched countless lives and was honored with a Service Award for her dedication. In 2020, she helped establish a Second Chances support group, becoming a mentor, encourager, sponsor, and faithful friend to many who found hope through her compassion and unwavering belief in second chances.

Cheryl found beauty in the simple things. She spent many years working as a florist, sharing comfort and joy through her creativity and love of flowers. At home, she cultivated a colorful garden whenever she could, and there was hardly a place in her house where you could look without seeing one of her beloved plants. She had a gift for making every space feel warm, welcoming, and alive.

Music was another constant companion throughout Cheryl's life. Whether music was playing in her home, filling the car on a drive, or accompanying an evening spent at a live concert with family and friends, it was always part of who she was. She also loved a good celebration and never missed an opportunity to make an occasion special. Whether decorating for a holiday, hosting a gathering, or planning an event, Cheryl delighted in creating beautiful moments and making everyone feel included.

More than anything, Cheryl loved people. She had a remarkable ability to welcome others with open arms, encourage those who were struggling, and make strangers feel like lifelong friends. Her generous heart, joyful spirit, and steadfast faith left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her legacy is one of kindness, compassion, hospitality, and selfless service—a life beautifully lived by loving God and loving others.

Cheryl is lovingly remembered by her children, Colby Simpson and wife Lauren, Chris Simpson, and Katie DeRuiter and her husband Daniel and her father Richard Stephenson; her sisters, Beverly Watts and Pam Hagler; her treasured grandchildren, Owen Simpson, Calum Simpson, and Laurel DeRuiter; and by the countless friends, church family, and community members whose lives were enriched by her love and friendship. The family also celebrates the extraordinary community Cheryl created wherever she went—a family bound not only by blood, but by love.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Cheryl's many friends and loved ones who surrounded her with unwavering love, support, laughter, and care during her final months. Their kindness ensured that she was never alone and that her days remained full of joy, friendship, and precious memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mission Waco, Night to Shine, or Christian Farms Treehouse, causes that reflect Cheryl's lifelong commitment to serving others.

Though Cheryl's absence leaves an immeasurable void, the seeds of love, hope, and kindness she planted throughout her life will continue to bloom for generations to come. Her beautiful spirit lives on in every life she touched, every flower that blooms, every song that brings a smile, and every act of kindness done in her memory.