Obituary of Cheri Lynn Rhodes

Cheri Lynn Bracey Rhodes, 73, wife of Raymond Darrell Rhodes, died peacefully at her home Friday, January 21, 2022. Born in Springfield, IL, she was the daughter of the late Adrian Arthur Bracey and the late Virginia Mae Trapp Bracey Parnell. Cheri spent her life in the career she loved, styling hair. Her passion for her craft led her to open her own salon which flourished throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s. Cheri was a creative force known for her award-winning designs in countless hair and fantasy competitions throughout the Southeast. As a stylist she was always on the cutting edge and remained ahead of her time. In addition to being a stylist, Cheri was a board-certified Instructor of Cosmetology. One highlight of many during her career was being invited to participate as a platform artist on the Vidal Sassoon European Hair Design Team. Cheri’s passion for her work was rivaled only by her passion for animals and horseback riding. As a teenager, Cheri was an accomplished barrel racer in her father’s rodeo. As an adult, Cheri enjoyed showing her Paso Finos and was awarded the blue ribbon as the National Grand Champion in the Costume Division in 1999 and 2000. Cheri will forever be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She and Darrell (“Raymie” as she affectionately called him) shared a true partnership in love and life for 53 blessed years. She deeply loved her family, her son Darren, her daughter-in-law Kathy, her grandsons Ryan and Zach; and her beloved Schnauzer, Noah. Cheri is preceded in death by her brother, Ricky Bracey. In consideration of Cheri’s love for animals and in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Sumter County SPCA in her memory. http://www.sumterscspca.com/ A private celebration of her life was held on January 24, 2022 at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Sumter, SC. Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, assisted in the burial.