Mother Celestine "Sally" Whaley Cheeks Obituary (1927

Celestine Whaley Cheeks was born on January 4, 1927, in Charleston, South Carolina to Raymond and Josephine Whaley who have proceeded her to glory. She received her formal school education in the public school system of Charleston, SC. Celestine was united in holy matrimony to Adolphus Cheeks in 1945 who also preceded her in death. They relocated to Charlotte, NC before resting in Brooklyn, New York in 1955. Celestine Cheeks was the eldest of eight children: Raymond Whaley Jr., Helen Johnson, Lewis Whaley, Alfred Whaley & Bea Evan (proceeded her in death). She leaves to mourn her transition to glory, Alma Platts, Delores Martin, Evelyn Richardson and an entire host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews and family who simply loved her. Celestine Cheeks was the "Matriarch" of The Family. Celestine was always a hard-working woman, who worked in several areas to make provision for her family and others. During the Great Depression she worked for the service in the "shipyard" as a waitress. Celestine worked as a caregiver. She also worked in an industrial linen factory until retiring at the age of 62. Celestine was privileged to meet several people from all walks of life. She was caring, sharped tongue at times but always witty, laughter was her medicine. A few moments in her presence had the ability to leave you laughing all day. Upon many occasions she was known to make people so tickled that they will hold their bellies with laughter. Mother Cheeks was a praying woman who read the word of God daily and loved the Lord. This love for God and His people led her to join Union Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Woods then Reverend Gamble. Moving forward Mother Cheeks joined Canaan Missionary Baptist Church AKA "Jesus Christ Family Church, serving the leadership of Reverend Gamble, Pastor Jason and now Overseer Constance, she has been a part of this ministry for over 30 years. Mother Cheeks was set aside as one of the mothers on the Mothers Board at her local church. Mother Cheeks was the oldest member of the ministry and loved being there in fellowship. It was her desire to join them one more time by God had made other arrangements. In the early afternoon on October 9, 2024, after being in the hospital for a few days, Mother Celestine Cheeks waited patiently for visiting hours at the hospital because she knew her daughters would come as they always did, once they arrived and she was sure that they were there, she took her final breath with them by her side as they honored a vow they made, that she would not be alone when the Lord called her name. Mother Cheeks loved her many friends who always came and checked on her. While she will be greatly missed the family rejoices in the comfort that Mother Cheeks known and loved God. Even while in the hospital she requested her Bible, glasses and music by Lee Brown be kept close. She trusted in God and her trust was not in vain. Celestine Cheeks was the mother of ten children and left to mourn her precious children who cared for her to the very end: Geraldine Parks, Delois Cheeks, Charles Cheeks and Jerome Cheeks. Well done! Her children who proceeded her in death, Sandra Cheeks, Donald Cheeks, Ronald Cheeks, Rudolph Cheeks, Barbara Cheeks and Calvin Cheeks. Mother Celestine Cheeks was a proud and beloved Grandmother/Great Grandmother who will be immensely missed. A proud Grandmother/great grandmother to several, just a few of those families are listed here; Dr. Serbrina Cheeks "Brin", Saricka "Cookie" Blakney (Kizzy) great grandson King Jordan, Ebony "Ebbie" Cheeks, great granddaughter Ariel Ragsdale "Munchkin", Nishar "Joshua" Cheeks (Mehnlehseh Boayue) great granddaughters, Kyla and Brooklyn Boayue. Keith, Ronald Jr, Rudolph Jr. Jennifer, Donald Jr (proceeded her in death) to name just a few.