Cheryl D. Webb

Cheryl Denise Raspberry-Webb, age 66 years, of Elsberry, Missouri, departed this life on Sunday, December 31, 2023 at St. Lukes Hospital in Chesterfield, Missouri due to complications of lung cancer and suffering a massive heart attack. Cheryl fought hard to her last breath. She was awake, cognizant, and shared her precious final moments in this life with beloved and dearest family members that gathered there to be with her. After her initial valiant fight with stage 3 lung cancer, undergoing a regiment of high intensity radiation treatments, along with grueling chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments starting June 2021, Cheryl experienced a brief reprieve, but her battle resumed in September 2023 when she was re-diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and pneumonia. Cheryl never quit, she never lost hope. She kept her faith, remained defiant and possessed an unwavering spiritual strength and belief in the Lord’s blessings. She found comfort in the out-pourings of love and prayers from family and her dear friends. She believed every minute, every hour, God would come to her rescue; he would give her strength to weather the storm; stop the pain, and end hours of radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments. Cheryl was a “beautiful person” with a “good heart”. She was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her son, Larry Jr. (Doc). She embraced and cherished his every moment, and spent three weeks by his side as he recovered from a serious motorcycle accident, even as she received more bad news regarding her stage 4 cancer diagnosis. She loved and adored her family. She loved to love on people, and had a vivacious personality that made people feel welcomed when in her presence. She made friends everywhere… it suited her servant heart. She had and infectious and inviting smile. She was compassionate and looked for the best in people, and she was quick to forgive and forget even when disappointed. Cheryl’s life was a living example of a Bible passage in Ephesians 4:32 – “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ”. Cheryl was a perfectionist; her hands were rarely still. She was forever cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning. Only she knew how to correctly cut grass; and only she knew how to drive safely. She had a flair for cooking… actually over-cooking as if she was feeding an army. She was known for her famous taco salad, macaroni & cheese, potato salad, and greens & smoked ham hocks, and again this Christmas 2023, we were blessed with a dinner, a feast, skillfully prepared by her loving and caring hands. It was to be our last dinner with her in this world, but we know she will be up there in that Golden Place helping to prepare a FEAST for us and loved ones when we see her again. We know now, she was gravely sick, in horrible pain, barely able to stand, and struggling to breathe, but staying true to her servant heart… her family came first. She summoned every ounce of strength one last time to treat and feed us like Royalty. Even throughout her lengthy struggle with cancer, she never failed to reach out to others; her family, her friends, and close neighbors affected by this horrendous disease to offer her heartfelt love; her support and reassurance that everything is going to be okay. She would say, do not give up, God answers prayers, and he works miracles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. Cheryl was born on March 20, 1957, in St. Louis, MO, the daughter of Mr. Will H. Raspberry and Mrs. Izola W. Warrior-Raspberry. In 1961, Mr. Will H. Raspberry relocated his family from St. Louis, MO to Annada, MO to the family farm, The Circle R Ranch, where Cheryl at an early age, gained a strong work ethic; a deep passion for family, cooking, and appreciation for the outdoors. Cheryl attended Clopton High School, graduating in 1975, garnering numerous accolades and honors as a valued member of the Clopton Hawks Cheerleading Squad. She was an over-achiever, known and admired for her commitment, hard-work and optimistic outlook. Her high-flying flawless athletic jumps and stunts were featured events… jaw-dropping sights to behold. She fostered and environment of inclusion, and her willingness to coach others, demonstrated her complete love for her teammates. In 1977, after years of dating, Cheryl D. Raspberry, married the love of her life, Larry D. Webb in an elegant ceremony at Bethel AME Church in Paynesville, MO, sharing 47 years of love and happiness, and fulfilling their vows to love and cherish each other until parted by death. Cheryl received Christ as her personal Lord and Savior, and attended Bethel AME Church, and recently started attending Restoration AG Church on Zoom. After commissioned as a Regular Army Officer, United States (US) Army, then 2Lt. Larry D. Webb and his new bride, Cheryl D. Raspberry-Webb relocated to Fort Bragg, NC, where Cheryl continued her formal studies and eventually entered the Department of Defense (DOD) as a DOD Civilian, Postal Officer. Cheryl and Larry welcomed their son, Larry Dennis Webb, Jr., on March 11, 1980. His birth ushered-in a profound sense of joy and new family beginnings while stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. During 20 years in military service, Cheryl, Larry, and Larry, Jr. (Doc), were assigned to many exciting duty stations across the Federal Republic of Germany, and enjoyed traveling across Germany and other European countries experiencing many new customs and cultures. Cheryl loved befriending new people, and held fond memories of her family’s travels and visits to countries like Holland – for annual Tulip Festivals; Amsterdam – for rides on the glass- bottom boats; Rhineland Pfalz – helping special friends working their vineyards picking grapes and wine making; Belgium – shopping at Crystal Factories; Italy – spending days touring sites, eating great food, and fitting for custom leather attire; France – visiting champagne factories; and many other awesome outings and trips with close German and European friends and families to go skiing; to attend Village Festivals and Munich’s Annual Oktoberfest; to go horseback riding, and race down the Autobahns. Upon return stateside, and after duty assignments in Anniston, AL; Huntsville, AL; Wright Patterson Air Force Base, OH; Fort Belvoir, VA; Fort Leavenworth, KS; and St. Louis, MO… Cheryl continued her stellar performance as a DOD Civilian and received a well-deserved promotion as a Classified Document Supervisor, High Security, Special Information Facility, Scott Air Force Base, IL. Cheryl retired from US Postal Service, St. Louis, MO, after 30 years of distinguished Federal Service. Once retired, Cheryl had more time to embrace her life passions for the outdoors, hunting and fishing… the camaraderie – the bonds she built with husband Larry, son Larry, Jr. (Doc) and close friends are life lasting. She was a serious hunter, and expert shot, and she could be heard saying after her pin-point shot placement on a big whitetail buck…”Big Boy Down”. She was very competitive, and would often rush back-in from the field, to show-off yet another “Big Boy Down”. Yes, her hunting cry… Big Boy Down”, “One Shot” will be sorely missed, and deer hunting will not be the same, for her family. She was an avid fisherman, and could be found on the lake, pond, or river banks fishing well into the night, a fishing tactic shared with her by her father in-law, Lawrence C. Webb, because according to Cheryl, that’s when the… “Big Catfish Bite”. Cheryl was a closet dare-devil, she enjoyed riding motorcycles. She initially was okay riding back-seater on husband Larry’s Harley Davidson, but ultimately, she needed her own space, her own wheels, and moved to a Sling Shot. She was the Quartermaster for our motorcycle pack. She took lead in coordinating trips; calling riders; selecting dates and times, designating meeting locations, and even playing traffic cop by watching bike speeds, positioning, and spacing, as we traveled down the road. Cheryl was a perfectionist, she was unafraid of challenges, and she was passionate about being the best that she could be, and was not afraid to go it alone if needed. Matthew 11:28-30 NIV Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… Cheryl is survived by her devoted husband Larry D. Webb, LTC US Army, Retired, of Elsberry, MO, and loving son Larry D. Webb, Jr. (Doc) of St. Charles, MO. She leaves 4 brothers; William (and Carol) Raspberry of St. Louis, MO, Roland (and Patricia) Raspberry of Bowling Green, MO, Carroll Raspberry (and Christy Dotson) of Elsberry, MO, and Frank (and Cindy) Raspberry of Eolia, MO; 3 sisters, Joyce Richard of St. Louis, MO, Beverly Raspberry of St. Louis, MO, and Lovenia Raspberry of St. Louis, MO; 2 sisters in-law, Louise (and Alan) Turner of Elsberry, MO, and Yvette C. Webb of Elsberry, MO; and a host of nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews, cousins, and special friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Will H. Raspberry, Sergeant, US Army, 9th Horse Cavalry, Buffalo Soldiers, and Izola W. Warrior-Raspberry, descendant Seminole Negro Indians. 3 sisters, Willa Hildred Francis of San Diego, CA; Ester Milan of Chicago, IL; and Janice Royston of St. Louis, MO; and her parents in-law, Lawrence C. Webb, US Army (Disabled Veteran) and Rose M. Scott-Webb both of Paynesville, MO. Cheryl was a gift from God; a beautiful, loving and caring person. Just go talk with her family, her friends, and her neighbors… no doubt they will tell you that she was the greatest. She was known by many names; Boo, Mom, Babe, Sis, Cherylie-Cheryl, Doonie, Gawk, and Auntie. She will be missed; her warmth, kindness, and respect for others is rare in this world we live in today. WE LOVE YOU… Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at the Collier Funeral Home in Louisiana, MO. Dr. Priscilla Dowden-White and Pastor Duke Duvall will officiate. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Clarksville, MO. Visitation will be held from 12:00 P.M. until time of service Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Cheryl D. Webb

March 20, 1957 - December 31, 2023