My dear Mama, Ms. Cheryl Nadean Martin, passed away in her bedroom, in our home in Aucilla, Fla. during the early morning hours of Sunday, March 1, 2020. She was only 68 years old.
Her viewing and funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at Reapers of the Harvest Church in Greenville, Fla. She was a member of Greenville Church of God, but visited and enjoyed attending services at Reapers of the Harvest Church and Renewed Life Outreach Center, both located in Greenville.
The viewing was held for her family at 10 a.m. and her funeral service began at 11 a.m.
As family and friends arrived, they were greeted by a beautiful photo montage of her with hymns sung by Jimmy Swaggart playing in the background. Mama really loved to hear Jimmy Swaggart sing and actually owned several of his CD albums.
Reverend Samuel Bass and her son-in-law, Pastor Chris Peterson, preached the funeral. They spoke of her birth, her life, her legacy and our future reunion with her in Heaven. Several others shared fond memories they had with her and they spoke of her intense love for her family and friends.
Her eldest grandson, Micah Christopher Peterson, played his guitar and harmoniously sang "Amazing Grace" with his girlfriend, Destiny Victoria Wade.
Mrs. Melissa O'Quinn Morgan, her niece, with all of her heart, played the song, "What A Day That Will Be," on her flute.
Her service ended with an invitation for others to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Her interment was held at Evergreen Cemetery in Greenville. Pastor Chris Peterson spoke and, once again, Micah played his guitar and sang the song, "The Other Side."
T.J. Beggs, Jr. & Sons Funeral Home assisted with the funeral.
Mama was preceded in death by her parents: Raymond Arles and Doris Harville O'Quinn; two sisters: Patricia Lugenia O'Quinn and Kathleen Day (Husband Gene Allen Day); and one brother, Dennis Theron O'Quinn.
She is survived by me, her only daughter; my husband, Brian Christopher Peterson; and two grandsons: Micah Christopher and Donavan Jeremiah, of Aucilla. She is survived by two brothers: Tommy Ray and Catherine Evelyn O'Quinn, of Greenville; and Daniel Alec and Jeanette O'Quinn, of Greenville. She is also survived by three sisters: Lanita Sue and James Everett Stover, of Greenville; Sandra Denise and Danny Thomas Settles, of Greenville; Angela Renee and Frankie Cruce, of Greenville; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
From the time I was diagnosed with cancer in 2008, at the age of only 36, Mama's compassion grew for other families with children fighting all types of cancer. She loved children and had a heart for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and would donate to them every month without fail. In lieu of flowers, we requested that donations be made to St. Jude in remembrance of her.
Mama was so smart and she had many talents and abilities. She could do almost anything she put her mind to. From working on cars, to building closets, to cooking cakes, she could do it all. Over her lifetime, she held many jobs and did each one of them very well. To name a few, she worked at W. A. Boothe's Grocery Store, the JR Food Store, Hank's Truck Stop, the Bank of Greenville, Liberty National Insurance Company, H & R Block, Amerigas, the Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles and several others. Because of her excellent work ethic, she received many awards and promotions.
During her down time, she enjoyed a variety of crafts and hobbies including flower arranging, crocheting, fishing, bird watching, cooking, painting, sewing, jewelry making, word search puzzles, crossword puzzles, card games, Sudoku puzzles, online games, singing, dancing, playing drums and keyboard.
In the Bible, in Ephesians 6:2, it tells us to honor your father and your mother. Mama took that verse literally. She showed her love and honor toward her own mother by being her caretaker for over twenty years.
Mama was beautiful on the inside and out. She was caring, hard working, thoughtful, giving, selfless and a joy to her family and friends. I was truly blessed to have her as my mother. She provided everything I needed my whole life and she loved me with all her heart. I will miss her terribly but I know I will see her again on the other side.
In closing, the following is a poem written by her niece, Doris Heather Messer, who shared a special bond with her.
Aunt Nadean
Today as I sit here and think about you and all we have shared,
I will always know that you truly cared!
Aunt Nadean you always treated me like a second mother,
And that feeling will never be shared with any other!
When God made you he truly broke the mold and threw it away,
Aunt Nadean we will think of you and miss you every single day!
You could never understand how much you meant to us all,
I just wish I could pick up the phone and give you one more call.
You always spoke truth into this heart of mine,
Because Aunt Nadean you will forever be one of the GREATEST OF ALL TIME!
Love you forever,
Doris Heather Messer