(04/28/41 – 08/27/24)

Cheryl Wingo Hitchens                                                           

     Cheryl Anita Hitchens, 83, of Chillicothe, Ohio, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, August 27th, 2024, at 4:35 pm, surrounded by her loving family. After a brief illness and a courageous battle with cancer, which she triumphantly overcame in May of 2024, she passed peacefully into glory.

     Cheryl was born on April 28, 1941, in Chillicothe to the late Harold and Marsena (Jones) Wingo. On June 4, 1994, she married the late Robert “Rabbit” Hitchens.

     She is survived by her two devoted sons, Rev. F. Todd (Diane) Gray, I, and Rev. J. Troy (Sue) Gray; a cherished niece and special daughter, Marta Hitchens; her brother, Wendall (Violet) Wingo; and several beloved stepchildren, including Natalie Murphy, Rev. Robert (Monica) Hitchens Jr., Gregg Adams, Myia Hambrick, Tamra (Wendell) Lowe, and her bonus daughter, Kim Edley. Cheryl’s legacy continues through her grandchildren, Marcus Wright-Gray, Rachelle (Chris) Buchanan, Tiffany (George) Gray-Brown, Lindsey (DeSean Benson) Gray, Rev. F. Todd Gray, II, Shawn (Kiara) Gray, John Troy (Ashleigh) Gray, II, McKinlee (Marya Hawk) Gray, Tyrell (Tiffany Folmar) Netter, Lauren Hitchens, Cameron Lowe, Donavon Lowe, Robert Hitchens, II, Ric McConnell, and bonus granddaughter Alyssa Edley. She also leaves behind 22 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of special friends and loved ones.

     Cheryl was preceded in death by her brothers, Edward (Betty) Wingo and Michael Wingo; her sister, Marsha (Ralph) Branson, her stepson, Jackson Hambrick, and her beloved pet, Blessing.

     A dedicated nurse assistant, Cheryl served at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center before retiring in 2005. She was also a minister and a longstanding member of Zion Baptist Church. As the founder of Sister to Sister Ministry, she created a people-centered ministry focused on fostering meaningful connections. Cheryl’s commitment to service extended to her community, where she took on roles such as overseeing the summer food program at Community Action and volunteering at Hospice of Adena Health Systems and the Adena Medical Center’s gift shop.

     Cheryl was a graduate of Chillicothe High School, where she made history as the first Black cheerleader. She also studied at The Ohio State School of Cosmetology. Her leadership and passion for service were evident in her roles as a board member of the Carver Community Center, the former president of the Women’s Auxiliary to the Eastern Union Missionary Baptist Association (EUMBA), and a member of both the Fashion Share Committee and the Voices of Praise of the National Baptist Convention (NBC) USA Inc. Her contributions were widely recognized, most notably recently with the EUMBA Trailblazer Award.

     Cheryl’s vibrant spirit and unwavering determination to overcome any obstacle, especially in her battle with cancer, were powerful reflections of her deep faith and enduring love for Christ.

     A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at noon at Zion Baptist Church, with Rev. F. Todd Gray, II presiding and Rev. J. Troy Gray delivering the eulogy. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery. Friends and loved ones may call on Friday, September 6, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and again on Saturday from 11:00 am to noon at Zion Baptist Church, located at 84 S. Clinton Rd., Chillicothe, Ohio 45601.

     In lieu of flowers, donations in Cheryl’s honor can be made to Cheryl’s Angels, a new ministry at Zion Baptist Church dedicated to preserving her legacy. Please make checks payable to Zion Baptist Church, with "Cheryl's Angels" in the memo line, and send them to P.O. Box 157, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601.