Cheryl Denise Cook

Cheryl Denise Cook, affectionately known as Tiny, Cheryl Girl, and Mom Cheryl, was born on July 2, 1959, at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Dorothy L. Cook and the late Johnnie Ray Lee. She was the eldest of eight siblings and the only daughter to her mother.

At the tender age of eleven, a young Cheryl dedicated her life to Christ and was baptized on January 17, 1971 at the Historic Jones Tabernacle A.M.E. Church under the pastoral leadership of the late Reverend Eustace L. Blake. Her faith in God remained steadfast, serving as a constant source of comfort, guidance, and strength in every season of her life.

Cheryl was educated in the Philadelphia School System and proudly graduated from William Penn High School in 1976 at the remarkable age of sixteen. She went on to attend Berean Institute and Peirce College in Philadelphia, where she earned certifications in Business and Payroll Administration.

Cheryl’s professional journey began in Retail as a Sales Clerk at Sears & Roebuck. Over the years, she embraced a variety of roles and titles, including Intake Processor for the Philadelphia Police Department Headquarters (The Roundhouse), Tax Preparer for her friends and community, and Payroll Specialist. In the later chapter of her career, Cheryl found her true calling as the Therapeutic Recreation Assistant Director at Caring Heart Rehabilitation and Nursing Center — a role she embraced with love and devotion, bringing joy not only to herself but to everyone around her, right up until her final days.

Above all, Cheryl was all about family and living life to the fullest. On December 7, 1979, she welcomed her greatest blessing, her son, Erik Terrell Cook. Erik was the love of her life, the center of her world. A proud mother who spoiled him endlessly but made sure to discipline him when necessary. After the passing of her beloved parents, D-Dot and Joe Hutchinson, Cheryl’s bond with Erik grew even deeper, becoming stronger than ever as they leaned on one another through life’s trials and triumphs.

Cheryl possessed a zest for life that was evident to all who knew her. She was known for her love of shopping, traveling, event planning, and organizing lively bus excursions. She considered herself an honorary New Yorker with her “Roadie”, visiting the city so often you could not convince her otherwise. She especially loved staying near the Rockefeller Center, taking in the energy of the city.

Cheryl cherished every moment with her Sista Circle-- whether on road trips, celebrating the Eagles, or simply sharing laughter. She held a deep love for her 29th Street Family and her greatest joy came from time spent with her beloved son, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren, affectionately nicknaming the youngest two “Bonnie and Clyde.” Their home was filled with love, laughter, and playful teasing — especially when the grandkids turned her selfies into SnapChat Muppet characters. More than a mother and grandmother, Cheryl was the heart and soul of her family.

Cheryl was fiercely independent and valued her freedom. She proudly preferred traveling on SEPTA rather than asking anyone for a ride, declaring, “As long as I’ve got my pass, I’m good!” Whether it was a quick trip to the store, a visit with friends, or an adventure around the city, Cheryl embraced the independence that came with hopping on the bus or train. This sense of self-reliance was just one of the many ways she lived life on her own terms, always confident and determined to make the most of every moment.

A woman of many talents, Cheryl was a skilled hair braider who often styled her own hair. She found joy in crocheting and making lovingly blankets for her “Little Peoples” — her grandchildren and attending church services as often as she could with her family at New Faith United Baptist Church. Cheryl loved her seafood — especially crabs — along with New York Junior’s Cheesecake, Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, Pepsi, having hot chocolate before bed, and 1000-piece puzzles.

On June 30, 2025, Cheryl was peacefully called home by the Lord, having fulfilled her earthly journey with grace and love. She was embraced at the Pearly Gates by those closest to her heart: her devoted mother, Dorothy; her dad, Paul Joseph Hutchinson; her brother, Paul Eric Hutchinson; and her dearly loved baby girl, Nasirah.

Cheryl will forever be the light in the lives of her cherished son, Erik Terrell, Sr.; her wonderful daughter-in-law, Lekia, whom she respected like a daughter; and her three treasured grandchildren: Tayla Erika “Tay-Tay”, Eryn Tenai “Mini-Me”, and Erik Terrell, Jr. “Pudgie”, who brought endless joy to her days and filled her heart with pride.

Cheryl’s love stretched wide and deep, touching the lives of her devoted siblings: Cindy, Kevin (Delicia), Byron, Tracy, Erika (Julian), and Xavier Michelle “Bunny”

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