“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults and with my song I give thanks to Him.”
Psalms 28:7
The Life Journey of Cheris Jones English began July 3, 1933 when she was born the second child to the late Willie and Janie Jones in Thomasville, Georgia. She and her brother Columbus grew up in a Christian home with their loving parents. Her early years of education were received in Thomasville, Georgia.
Cheris shared the story of how she was able to attend Stillman College. A family friend talked with her parents and got their consent to pursue her attendance at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama where financial assistance was also provided. Cheris attained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Studies and Music Education from Stillman College. Her Master’s of Education Degree in Social Studies was attained from West Georgia College. In 1961, she relocated to LaGrange, Georgia to begin her teaching career at East Depot High School. After integration, she moved to LaGrange High School, having taught social studies at both schools.
Many students still remember her frankness and many unique quotes which served as her way of wanting them to be the best they could be in life. The following statements can be quoted by all of her students; “It is better to be thought ignorant, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” “An empty wagon keeps up a lot of noise.” She was known to greet her former students as her sons and her daughters. She has always been respected and loved by her students this was evident through her invitation to many class reunions as their honored guests. She retired after thirty years of nurturing and making a difference in the lives of students in her community. Cheris met and married Richard English, Jr. of Ft. Gaines, Georgia. They were married for over sixty years. In 1967, they became the proud parents of a beautiful daughter, Leslie English Matthews.
Upon moving to LaGrange, Cheris and her husband Richard united with First Baptist Church on Fannin Street. Sunday after Sunday, Cheris walked across the street to worship and serve her Lord and Savior through her involvement in church activities. She enjoyed being a part of the Ladye Jennings and Grace Harvey Sunday School class where she would co teach the lesson on a rotating schedule in a very thorough manner often relating the lesson to real life experiences. Using her melodious voice, she was a faithful member of the Voices of First Baptist choir. You would never know she was the oldest member of the choir due to her faithfulness and her love of singing.
Cheris was initiated in the illustrious sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Theta Xi Omega Chapter on May 24, 1972. She was a Life Member and a Silver Star. For 49 years she was a dedicated and committed member through her service to all mankind. In 1996, she was the co-recipient of the Soror of the Year Award. She was also a charter member of the Continental Societies, Inc. where she served in various capacities. Other community activities included: Girl Scouts, the Handicrafters Federated Club where she served as president, Troup Retired Teachers Association where she served as secretary for many years, Troup County Chamber of Commerce, and the West Georgia Council of Christian African American Women.
Cheris enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family; especially her grandsons. She always accompanied her husband, the late County Commissioner Richard English, Jr. to numerous commissioners’ meetings both local, state and national. Cheris and her husband Richard were members of the “Committee,” a local couple’s organization that fellowshipped through meetings, social events and travel.
On the morning of Friday, September 3, 2021, Cheris peacefully transitioned to her Eternal Rest at Hospice of LaGrange. In addition to her parents and brother; she was preceded in death by her husband Richard English, Jr. by one month; her daughter, Leslie English Matthews.
“The love of family is life’s greatest blessing.” She leaves to cherish her memories; four grandsons: Derrick Matthews, Jr., Richard Carter Matthews, Christian Matthews and Caden Matthews, of Atlanta, Georgia; granddaughter, Tomekka (Troy) Davis and her children of North Carolina; son-in-love, Derrick Matthews, Sr.; two sisters-in-law: Roselle English Moody and Susan English Taylor, of Ft. Gaines, GA; one brother in-law, Barley English of Miami, FL; and a host of nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends; special devoted friend and neighbor, Eddie Jenkins.
