Nancie Sieber (Williamson)

Photos sent by karyn Brown.  One of Cheri, another of one of her paintings and one of Cheri and her husband with our classmates Karyn and Greg Brown.

Karyn Brown

My BFF, Cherie Rae Bailey June 28, 1948 to April 18, 2017 I met Cherie during our freshman year, in Mr. Kaczmarek’s art class. For some reason, everything in this class seemed funny. We enjoyed lots of laughs and soon became fast friends. Looking back, it probably had a lot to do with Cherie’s great sense of humor and wit. Our high school years were full of fun and adventures. Cherie was lovingly spoiled by her parents. She had a beautiful wardrobe, including the largest collection of mohair sweaters of anyone. Every color. We occasionally exchanged outfits at school, just for the fun of it. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey bought Cherie a shiny new purple Corvair for her 16th birthday. Cherie’s mom took us on road trips, to the Black Hills of South Dakota and spring break at Daytona Beach. Cherie married Alan Decker in August 1968. Marilyn Dragotta and I were their bridesmaids. Cherie and Al have a daughter, Lisa and a son, Jeff. They have two precious grandchildren, Abby and Jon. Cherie held various clerical positions, enjoyed fine jewelry sales, and had a talent for arts and crafts. She studied court reporting at the Milwaukee Area Technical School. The family left Wisconsin and moved to Orange Park, Florida. Cherie served as the Administrative Assistant for the Bureau of Entomology at the State of Florida for about 20 years. She is a past president of the Decorative Artists of Jacksonville, Florida. Cherie produced beautiful paintings. Later in life, Cherie endured multiple health and medical challenges. There were many hospitalizations and surgeries. She eventually had to leave her position and take an early disability/retirement. In spite of her failing health and physical difficulties, Cherie maintained a beautiful spirit and sense of humor. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. I am grateful for her friendship and so glad that she has been a part of my life. I miss her. Karyn D. Brown

Nancie Sieber (Williamson)

What a beautiful eulogy!

Marcia (Marci) Mitchell

Kathy Szymanski (Myers)

I remember laughing with Cherie in the lunchroom.  She had a great heart.

Eileen Bruce (Piehler)

So sorry for your loss Karyn. She was too young yet. Such fun times in high school. I remember them still. Lots of fun and laughter. May she rest in peace.