Cherry Ann Thomas, age 51, of Galesburg, passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at home.
She was born on January 17, 1971 in Canton, Illinois, the daughter of Edwin Dale and Wilma Jean (Jennings) Reneau. Cherry was reared and educated in Canton, later receiving her GED. She attended Spoon River College where she took CNA classes. Cherry met her lifelong partner and love, Daniel Thomas, in 1985 and together they had two daughters. Cherry worked as a Direct Support Professional at Addus Home Care for many years prior to becoming a stay-at-home grandma, caring for her grandchildren.
Left to cherish her memory is the father of her children and lifetime love, Daniel Thomas of Maquon ; her two daughters: Ashly (Rodney Green) Thomas of Kirkwood, Illinois, Brittney (Jon McCutcheon) Thomas of Galesburg; and nine grandchildren: Rhylyne, Skylar, Brayden, Nicholas, Bradley, Janea, Kaliyah, Andrew, and Jai’van. Also surviving is one brother, Ivan Reneau of Browning, Illinois; one sister, Candy Reneau of Hanna City, Illinois; six nieces: Carlee, Tiffany, Candis, Abby, Taylor and Dagain; one nephew, Dreyton; and the countless bonus children she acquired through her daughters’ friendships. She was preceded in death by her parents and her maternal and paternal grandparents.
Cherry, most of all, loved spending time with her family, especially her grandkids. She loved to watch them play sports that she herself grew up playing and you could often hear her say, “…Look at her go, just like her Nana use to do.” Cherry was always greeted by running children, accompanied with an overly excited “Nana!” or “Meena!” Some of Cherry’s other joys in life were gardening, being in the water, driving around in the country with her music up high, and playing cards. Cherry’s favorite day of the week was ‘Sunday Funday’ as she called it because it was a day for her to relax, unwind, and enjoy all her life’s passions. Others often called it ‘Nana Day.’ Cherry was by far one of the most selfless people anyone could ever meet. She was such an amazing caregiver and never hesitated to put everyone before herself.
Cremation will be accorded. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the family. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
