Obituary of Cherieda D. Cooke

Cherieda D Cooke was born on April 4, 1970 to Marsha Bryant (Branaugh) and Joseph Cooke Jr in Indianapolis, Indiana. Cherieda died unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at the age of 51 years. Her battle with serious medical issues recently showed her courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, Cherieda stayed strong until the end. She lived most of her life in Indianapolis, making many lifetime friends here. She became a resident of Nashville, Tennessee in 2010, where she resided upon her passing. Cherieda grew up as an only child to her mother and attended St Rita Catholic School and Washington Township schools for her elementary and high school education. She amassed numerous ribbons in Middle School and Senior High School in both academics and sports. She graduated from North Central High School, where she ran track and was Marion County champion in her Freshman year in the 400 meter race, as well as being a member of the 1987 Indiana girls state track championship team. Cherieda professed her life in Christ at an early age. She was baptized at Coppin Chapel AME Church where she established a life-long membership. She loved the Lord and she loved the Bible. Although we are saddened by her death, we know that staying where Cherieda was was not an option, and God decided it was time to elevate her to a higher level/rank. Cherieda worked in various positions and capacities throughout her lifetime and had a passion for helping others less fortunate. She loved to spend time in the kitchen, creating delicious meals and kept others rolling in laughter with her humor. Cherieda was always determined to see any obstacle through to the end. She graduated from cosmetology school in her early adulthood and was a master at maintaining her hair. It was never unkempt. Cherieda will be lovingly remembered. She is survived by her two children, James Weeden III and Justyce Weeden, her mother, Marsha Branaugh, her granddaughter, Isla Weeden, one sister, Jo Wedgeworth and one brother, Joseph Cooke III. Her survivors will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest. She will also be dearly missed by a host of other family members and kind friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Cooke Jr, maternal grandparents Thomas and Irma Bryant and paternal grandparents Joseph Cooke Sr and Norma Cooke. Please contact Stuart Mortuary at (317)925-3000 for service arrangements in Indianapolis, Indiana. Don’t grieve for me now. I am Free. I am following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call. I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day. To laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way. I found that peace of close of day. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered Joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow. I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I savored much; Good times, good friends, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief. Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and share with me, God wanted me now. He set me Free. author unknown