Cherie S. Witte
August 10, 1945 – February 22, 2022
Cherie (Stuart) Witte was born on August 10, 1945 in Springfield, Missouri and passed away in her sleep on February 22, 2022, after suffering briefly from complications with COVID. She was 76 years old. Both her and her husband, Gerald Witte, served in the ministry over 30 years at several congregations around the United States, which included: Shreveport, Louisiana; Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, Michigan; Sherman and Paris, Texas; Ada, Oklahoma; Lansing and Flint, Michigan, and Houston, Texas. For the past 23 years, they resided in Richmond, Virginia.
She was an accomplished ceramic artist for most of her adult life. Her passion for clay started when she was a little girl. While her friends were making mud pies, she was making little dishes out of clay. She loved the feel of clay slipping through her hands. Her love of clay never subsided in the over 45 years she had been working with ceramics. Her father, Loren E. Stuart, was a commercial artist and a great source of inspiration for the painting, glazing, and carving she included in her work. Her work has been showcased in several galleries and shows throughout the country and has won numerous awards along the way. Everything she made was by hand, wheel thrown, slab built, or sculpted. Her love of color moved her to formulate her own unique glazes. It was a tedious and time-consuming process, but she derived a great deal of satisfaction from doing it. All of her pieces were made with pride and great care.
Growing up on the bluffs of Branson, Missouri, she had a deep love for nature and a passion for taking care of wild birds, butterflies, and dragonflies. She loved gardening and taking care of her grandchildren and spending time with her family. She is one of the greatest listeners on the planet and had a tranquil spirit and genuine love for humanity. Her and her husband were married on the Ambassador College campus in Big Sandy, Texas 56 years ago on June 14, 1965.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Loren Earnest Stuart born in Drumwright, Oklahoma, and Cora Katherine (Hill) Stuart born in Booneville, Arkansas as well as her sisters, Cora Monette (Stuart) Coffelt and Billie Kay (Stuart) Huse, both born in Houston, Texas.
She is survived by her husband, Gerald Kenneth Witte of Richmond, Virginia; brother, Scott Douglas Stuart of Joplin, Missouri; daughter, Michelle Cherie Witte Fuller of Richmond, Virginia; sons, Jade Fitzgerald Witte of Phoenix, Arizona and Troy Fitzgerald Witte of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren, Corinne Cherie Brendel Kopec of Alexandria, Virginia, Edward Kenneth Stuart Kopec of Richmond, Virginia, Ronan Fitzgerald Witte of Denver, Colorado, Haley Allena Michelle Carpenter of Norfolk, Virginia, Ethan Brendan Witte and Damian Jade Witte both of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Michaela Nicole Fuller of Richmond, Virginia
A memorial service will be held at 4:30 PM on March 4, 2022, at Affinity Funeral Service, 2720 Enterprise Parkway, Richmond, VA 23294. (804) 477-3136. All friends and family who would like to attend, are welcome. Interment afterwards will be private.
Jerry,
Judy and I are very sorry to hear of your loss of your lovely wife, Cherie. We met you both in the first few months after you were married. Maybe you remember the many hours we spent on the road in the late sixties in the visiting program. We will pray for God’s comfort for you and your family. Love to you all.
Larry
Gerald, I’m very sorry for your loss. My family benefited greatly from your service in Shreveport, La. I was a small child then; the youngest of four boys. Mother, Alice Bounds, passed away in 2018 and one of my brother’s passed away in 2015. Since Dad died in 1989, there are 3 of us living now. I will be praying for your peace and comfort.
Jere,
So sorry the great loss you and your family are suffering. May God’s grace grant you peace and carry you in His love during this difficult journey
Dearest Jere and family
So sorry for your loss of Cherie. I pray God will give you comfort and peace at this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers wishing I could be there for you.
I love all of you so much.
I will miss her kindness and sweet smile.❤
Dear Witte Family
I am saddened to learn of Cheries passing. She was such a loving and kind woman. Her family meant everything to her.
I will be praying for your comfort during this time of your profound grief. Much love, Marsha Chalmers
Dear Jere,
I am so sorry to learn of Cherie’s recent, untimely death. I am reminded of our friendship the last year of high school and then riding the Southwest Chief together from KC to Pasadena for college Jere, you sang at our wedding, but I had forgotten that you were married the following weekend. Prayers for God to cover you with His wings and give you peace at this very sad time. Love being sent to you!
Jerre, so sorry to hear of Cheries death. As it did with Joye it brought back many memories to me. I cherish the time we shared with her and you in what were beautiful times in AC. All of those times we spent in Chorale, concerts, and feastival entertainment, singing occasionally in trio with Steve Gray were highlights from our college years. Cheri was a beautiful person. She and you will be fondly remembered forever. God’s peace to you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. She made the world a better place and she will be missed.
I have such wonderful memories of her smile, compassion, and leadership, and I look forward to seeing her in the next chapter and she can teach us all so much more.
With love,
Michael
Dear Jere, Michelle, Jade, Troy and all, what sad news about sweet Cherie! When Terri, Meridith, Chelsea, and I talked of your loss, we all had so many memories and recollections of the countless times we have spent together. So many memories. So many years. So many laughs. So many blessings! All of us growing up together. What a delightful part of our lives you Wonderful Wittes have been. Thank you from the 4 of us. We, too, will be asking God to provide the healing and peace that only He can give.