Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

April 15, 1945 – July 3, 2022

Cheryle Ann Smith Harris-loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend- departed this material world after a long journey of love for her family and career, her academic success, and eventually her challenges with Alzheimer's dementia. She was seventy-seven years old when she departed for a much greater life with the Lord, Jesus. Cheryle was born to Dorothy Johnson and Eugene Graham in San Francisco, CA, on April 15, 1945. Raised in Monroe, LA, under the care of her mother and stepfather, Dorsey and Dorothy Johnson, Cheryle lived next door to her grandparents and uncles with her younger sisters Brenda Sims, Jackie Johnson, and Usana Tillman, so she was brought up in a community with strong familial ties. After graduating from Carroll High School, Cheryle ventured to the east coast before returning to Monroe, eventually settling in Seattle, WA. Cheryle was a lifelong learner, and her love for learning was as broad as it was deep; she earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Washington as well as several other certifications and licenses along the way.

Moreover, Cheryle made the bold decision to return to school at age 50 to pursue a law degree. Three years later, Cheryle earned her doctorate-a Juris Doctor degree-was sworn in by the Washington Bar Association, and immediately opened the Law Office of Cheryle Smith Harris. Cheryle's accomplishments are numerous and varied because she was courageous enough to move forward in the presence of adversity and uncertainty. Her devotion to family assured the passing on of her legacy-a legacy of trusting God, feeding people, leading by example, manifesting dreams, taking action, and ensuring all things were executed with style. Cheryle is survived by daughters - Teri Mathews (Brian) and Jo Woods; four grandchildren - Ashlee Semo-Ilasa (Marcus), Dominique Peterson, Jessica Maciel (Michael), and Berry Crosby; and great-granddaughter, Kaylani Semo-Ilasa. While three of her sisters Brenda Sims, Jackie Johnson, and Usana Tillman, presently reside in Monroe, LA, Cheryle also has a loving sister, Denise Graham, who resides in North Carolina, as well as a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Cheryle is preceded in transition by her mother and stepfather, Dorothy May Johnson and Dorsey Johnson; her father, Eugene Graham; and her daughter, Winona Phillips. Cheryle will be honored by friends and family at a private ceremony and will be laid to rest at Sunset Hills Memorial Park in Bellevue, WA. A memorial will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2022, 5:00 - 9:00 PM at 19115 146th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058.