Cheryl Lynn Smith

Cheryl Lynn Smith, of Sterling Heights, Michigan, departed the earth to be with her Lord and Savior on November 25, 2022. Cheryl was born June 1, 1949 in Detroit, Michigan to Edmond and Anna Roman. She graduated high school with honors in 1967 from Cousino High School in Warren, Michigan. It was at Cousino that she connected with the love of her life, Robert Smith who she had known since grade school. Little did she know then that they would go on to be high school sweethearts and eventually marry and build a life together for 53 years. They married in 1969 after Bob (in his words) “attempted multiple times to convince Cheryl he was good enough to be her husband”. Cheryl graduated from Oakland University with a bachelor’s degree in education, majoring in English. It was then that they built their first new home in 1971 in New Baltimore Michigan. Cheryl secured a job in the Utica Community School district as an elementary school teacher. Their first-born child was a son, Scot. Their daughter, Stacie followed shortly after as the completion of their family. They built their second home in Troy, Michigan where Cheryl was a devoted stay at home mother. She was consistently involved in the kid’s elementary school PTO and served as the President of the Parent Teacher Organization for many years. As their children were growing, Cheryl got involved in youth ministry at St. Anastasia Parish in Troy, Michigan. She worked alongside the notorious Mark Springer to keep teens engaged and enthused in their faith life. Cheryl and Mark went on to write and publish a book, “The 7 Principles of Effective Youth Ministry.” She was known by many in that community. The uplifting experiences Cheryl had participating in the youth group led her to become a part-time employee at St. Anastasia as the Confirmation Coordinator. St. Anastasia saw Cheryl’s impact on the youth and added the “Teen Purpose” program to her plate. After building their third house in Clarkston, Michigan, Cheryl also had a great passion for helping others in the end-of-life process. She left youth ministry to become a Hospice Chaplin at Henry Ford Hospice in Warren, Michigan. She comforted many families during their loved one's transition and guided her patients to a pain free afterlife with great faith. After realizing that a corporate hospital limited her abilities to help people in the way her Lord blessed her, she decided to move on and work independently to assist in funeral services and work as a Funeral Presider. She relished in putting together personalized and heartfelt funeral services while incorporating faith and belief in an afterlife for those who experienced loss of loved ones. Cheryl had many circles of friends and participated in strong faith groups of loving, caring people who shared her love for the Lord. Cheryl never hesitated to help wherever and however she could when the people she cared for were in need. She was persistent, organized, and a critical thinker. She loved deeply and was passionate about being a good friend. Cheryl’s most cherished job was “Mimi” to her grandchildren, Annie and Jack. Mimi was proud of the wonderful young people they are as they continue to serve their community and accomplish positive changes that contribute to society with love and compassion. She never missed an opportunity to be their biggest cheerleader and she would outdo anyone to maintain her number one cheerleader status. She not only encouraged and sent affirmations to them, but their friends and their supporters as well. She was sure to show her gratitude and support for those who supported her most prized possessions. Cheryl was a devoted wife and gave her whole heart to Bob. Bob was always her number one priority. She cared for him and was cared for by him in ways and at length that very few are blessed to experience. They shared so much of their life together. They went through exceedingly difficult times together and always stayed united in their trials and tribulations. Cheryl and Bob enjoyed many fantastic adventures and vacations. Their greatest and most beloved job of being grandparents was the greatest reward and fruits of their labor. Cheryl was predeceased by her parents, Anna and Edmond Roman, in-laws, Jack and Marie Smith and her brother-in-law, Joe Smith. Also preceded by her furry loves, Hanz, Rusty, and Buddy. Cheryl was a dedicated mother to Scot and Stacie (Dennis Droelle). Grandmother to Ann and Jack Droelle. She is survived by her brother David Roman (Cheryl), her sister Debbi Roman-Saloka (Paul), her brother in-laws John Smith (Jeannette), Donald Smith (Janeen) her sister-in-laws Tereasann (Steve) and Mary Smith (Joe). Also survived by a wealth of nieces and nephews, great nieces, and great nephews that she cherished, and an overabundance of friends she chose as family. She was filled with gratitude for each of her friends, relationships, and the times that they shared. Cheryl was a positive light in so many lives. She will be missed endlessly. “I am filled with the light of Christ.” ~ Cheryl Smith 11/14/2022 The family will welcome visitors at E. J Mandziuk & Son Funeral Home in Sterling Heights Michigan on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 2:00pm to 9:00pm with a celebration service beginning at 6:00pm. The family is encouraging memories to be shared during the service with anyone that wishes to do so. Donations are not expected and completely unnecessary, however would be accepted as a scholarship for Ann and Jack Droelle while they are studying at Grand Valley State University and University of Michigan.

Cheryl Lynn Smith

June 1, 1949 - November 25, 2022