Obituary of Cheryl Dorothea Stribling-Ward

Cheryl Dorothea Stribling-Ward was born in Memphis, Tennessee on August 19, 1960 and transitioned into glory on May 30, 2015 surrounded by her loving family at Duke University Hospice. With unyielding fortitude and fervent faith in God, Cheryl courageously battled cancer. Her passing came without pain, as she peacefully exhaled and went on to be with the Lord. A graduate of Hamilton High School, Cheryl went on to study at Memphis State University and Christian Brothers University. Professionally, her career was focused on financial recovery and management. She was highly regarded for telling clients to "be encouraged." Indeed, Cheryl was dedicated to offering a "kind word" and sharing the word of God to anyone with whom she engaged. As an avid bible scholar, Cheryl was reverent of biblical principles and as she would say, "living life by design" is key when fulfilling the purpose of God. Cheryl was eagerly anticipating the birth of her unborn granddaughter and continued to be a cheerful giver to her family. She truly made a difference in the lives of many and will be greatly missed by all who knew her, if only for an instant. In many ways, Cheryl personified excellence, perseverance, style, and keen intelligence. Cheryl is survived by her mother, Maryland Gholson; daughter Dr. Adeirdre LaCheryl Stribling Riley and husband Malcom Curtis Riley, III; daughter Bilan Ariel Stribling; sons Admiral Justin Stribling and Phillip Ayers Stribling; brother Robert L. Gholson, Jr. and wife Exalia Gholson; brother Michael Gholson and wife Joann Gholson; brother Reginald Gholson and wife Tina Gholson; and sister Charlesetta Rolack and partner Lee Lindstrom. She was preceded in death by her father Charles Stribling; husband Elton Ward; brother James L. Gholson who is survived by his wife Louise Gholson; and sisters Deborah E. Gholson and Curtis L. Mabry who is survived by her husband Johnny Mabry. One of Cheryl's notable quotes is "A day is never done unless it makes a memory." Any day spent in her presence was certainly memorable. To continue to honor her legacy of love, the following memorial services will be held: Memorial Service - Saturday June 6, 2015 at 12:00 pm at Victorious Praise Fellowship, 2116 Page Road, Durham, North Carolina 27703. Reflection Ceremony - Monday June 8, 2015 at sunset in Wilmington, North Carolina. Memorial Service - Friday June 12, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. at The Healing Cathedral Christian Church, 4523 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, Tennessee 38116. While many of you know Cheryl truly loved yellow flowers, she also enjoyed helping others. If you desire to provide a memorial contribution in recognition of her service to others, donations may be made to the Church Health Center in Memphis, Tennessee at http://www.churchhealthcenter.org/donate. Arrangements entrusted to Walker's Funeral Service of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.