Cheryl Lynn Cheatham

Cheryl Lynn Gunter Cheatham, age 72 of Watkinsville, passed away on November 20, 2025 at St Mary's Hospital. Born September 28, 1953 in Marietta, Georgia to the late Malvin Donald and Ruth Eulaine Vinson Gunter. When Cheryl was a teenager her family moved to the classic city of Athens where she spent the rest of her life.

Cheryl attended Athens High School and graduated in 1971 as part of the first graduating class under it's new name of Clark Central High School. She worked for the city of Athens Clark County for over 46 years in various rolls with Emergency Management including Deputy Director and State Secretary for Civil Defense. The last half of her career she worked under the leadership of several different Chiefs as Administrative Secretary for the ACC Fire Department. She would affectionally refer to all the firefighters as "Her Boys" and made lifelong friendships within the department and was very proud of the work that was accomplished there.

Throughout her lifetime Cheryl had been an active member of several local churches including Edwards Chapel Baptist Church, Green Acres Baptist Church, Mars Hill Baptist church, and most recently was attending Bethlehem Church – Oconee campus.

A memorial service is planned for Tuesday, November 25, 2025 3:00pm at Lord & Stephens, West chapel with Rev. Jack Segars officiating. The visitation will be Tuesday at the funeral home prior to the service from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Intermittent following at Bogart Baptist Church cemetery.

Survivors include her beloved husband of 50 years, Donald Hubert Cheatham of Athens, daughter Stephanie (Rich) Dailey of Dublin and two grandchildren, Madelyn and Drake Dailey of Dublin. She also leave behind a brother, Mike Gunter and sister, Cynthia Gunter.

In leu of flowers, donations can be made to Athens Firefighter Fund at https://athensareacf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=6313

Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes, West, Watkinsville, Ga is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com