On Friday, September 11, 2026, Lorene Cherry peacefully earned her eternal rest, wrapped in the loving grace of God. Born on January 6, 1945, in Bertie County, North Carolina, to Beatrice and James Waverly Bazemore, Lorene grew up as the sixth of eight children, a spot that seemed to prepare her perfectly for a lifetime of caring, sharing, and giving.

From her early days at John B. Bond School, Lorene learned the values of humility, hard work, and faith. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age, and she carried that faith like a guiding light throughout every season of her life. It shaped how she loved, how she served, and how she persevered.

As life unfolded, Lorene married Linwood “June Bug” Cherry, Jr., and together they were blessed with five beautiful children. If you knew Lorene, you knew her family was her heart. She poured herself into them tirelessly encouraging, praying, working, and doing whatever was needed to keep them covered, cared for, and surrounded by love.

Lorene’s work ethic was nothing short of remarkable. For over 30 years, she served in the nutritional services department for Newport News Public Schools, showing up day after day with quiet strength and dedication. And if that wasn’t enough, she also worked part-time at KFC for more than 20 years. She believed in doing her best in all things, and she lived that belief courageously and consistently.

Though she now rests in Heaven, Lorene reunites there with her husband, Linwood; her sons, Ivan and Carl; her parents; her sisters Ruth Riley and Bessie Ruffin; and her brother Randolph Bazemore. And while she will be deeply missed here, her legacy continues in the hearts of those who loved her.

Left to cherish her beautiful memory are her children Teresa Vanhook, Sandy Cherry, and Samuel Cherry—all of Newport News, VA; her sisters Mabel (Roosevelt, Sr.) Askew of Aulander, NC; Lorda (Earl) Keemer of Newport News, VA; Alma White of Portsmouth, VA; Eltine (Ivory) Hills of Hampton, VA; and her brother Paul (Gloria) Bazemore of Kelford, NC. Lorene’s love stretches even further through her six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who were touched by her giving heart.

As we gather to honor her life, a graveside service will be held on Friday, September 18th at 11 a.m. at Hampton Memorial Gardens. Immediately following, family and friends are invited to share in fellowship at the Midtown Community Center in Newport News, Va, a fitting way to celebrate a woman who spent her life nourishing others with love, food, and faith.