Elder Arthur L. Cherry Sr.

Obituary of Elder Arthur Lee Cherry, Sr. Sunrise February 1, 1949 Sunset October 14, 2021 On Thursday, October 14, 2021 at 6:39p.m. Elder Arthur Lee Cherry, Sr. went “The Last Mile of the Way” and answered the Lord’s call to come home, peacefully, surrounded by his family. He was 72 years old. Elder Arthur Lee Cherry, Sr. was born on February 1, 1949 to the late Walter A. Cherry and Mattie R.Cherry. In his early years, he attended Pitt County Public Schools and graduated with his diploma from H.B. Suggs High School. In addition, he continued his education at Pitt County Community College where he learned trade skills in construction, drywall, and business. His passion for drywall afforded him the opportunity to become an entrepreneur. Arthur launched Cherry’s Drywall over 50 years ago which was a historical moment, particularly, for being a black-owned business in the segregated south (Farmville, N.C.) Cherry’s Drywall provided quality customer service to thousands of homeowners and commercial businesses for over a half-century and because of Arthur’s leadership and mentorship many proteges and apprentices were able to be trained and mentored to learn the drywall business and other life skills. He loved his family and friends, but most importantly he loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As a baptized believer, he served faithfully for many years as a deacon at Mount Olive Primitive Baptist Church. As a faithful and committed deacon, he was appointed and served as the clerk, and treasurer for the Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Association for many years. Later in life, God called him to preach His Holy Word. Elder Cherry answered that call and was the Pastor at Bethlehem Primitive Baptist and New Hope Primitive Baptist Churches. He was chosen to serve as the Assistant Moderator of the Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Association and then he was elected to serve as the Moderator of the Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Association until his passing. He was a pastor, moderator, spiritual advisor, and mentor to many. Elder Arthur Lee Cherry, Sr. is survived by his caring and devoted wife of 35 years, Sister Florine J. Cherry, five children, Arthur Lee Cherry, Jr. (Tonya) of Farmville, NC; Jackie Cherry of Greenville, NC; David Cherry of Farmville, NC; Dr. James Worsley (Tara) of Chesterfield, VA; and Cierra Outerbridge (Reggie) of Bethel, NC; 14 grandchildren (Armani, Kimberly, Ronshae (Cortisha), Tierra, Olivia, Deanna, Lily, James Jr., Bryce, Scott, Siniya, Viktur, Deszoray and Kayemya); 5 great grandchildren (Demirrion, Zaniya, Kyla, Honesty, and Yamir ); Godsons, Eric Hixon, Chad Baker, and Kaius May, all of Farmville, NC; Goddaughter, Regina Bush (Rev. William) of Pinetops, NC; seven sisters, Birdie May of Farmville, NC; Katie Shelley of Farmville, NC; Mattie Gay of Farmville, NC; Bobbie Jean Cherry of Farmville, NC; Annie Ruth Green (Rev. Larry) of Farmville, NC; Loraine Hall of Farmville, NC; Brenda Edwards of Atlanta, GA; Two brothers, Kenneth Cherry (Michelle) of Greenville, NC; Ronnie Edwards of Chocowinity, NC; five brothers-in-law, Clifton Jones of Macclesfield, NC; Larry Jones of Pinetops, NC; Tyrone Jones (Maretha) of Virginia Beach, VA; Anthony Walston (Evelyn) of Rocky Mount, NC; Anthony Jones of Williamsburg, VA; Leroy Epps (Selma) of Rocky Mount, NC; four sisters-in-law, Marie Henry (Jerome) of Charlotte, NC; Angela Savage of Hampton, VA; Mary Ann Ross (Carl) of St. Charles, LA; Tammy Walston of Martinsville, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Acknowledgements: The family of Elder Arthur Lee Cherry, Sr. acknowledge, with deep appreciation and grateful hearts, all expressions of sympathy extended to our family during our time of bereavement. Your kindness and thoughtfulness have enabled us to bear the loss of our loved one whom we hold so dear. Your loyalty and support have given us strength and comfort as we say our final farewell. May the Lord continue to bless each of you and keep you forever in His grace and mercy. Special thanks to the doctors and medical staff at Vidant Hospital and 3HC Hospice Care for their compassionate and professional services. We are also appreciative to Barnes Funeral Home for their attentiveness and kindness during this difficult time. COVID-19 ADVISORY: Everyone is REQUIRED to wear face covering, WAIT 6 feet. apart from others, and WASH your hands. ●LIVE STREAMING will be provided the day of service via Barnes Funeral Home facebook page. For further information: Call 252-246-0900; Submit condolences: www.barnesfuneralhome.org Keep the Cherry family in your thoughts and prayers.

Elder Arthur L. Cherry Sr.

February 1, 1949 - October 14, 2021