Obituary for Shirley Ann Cheek (Belcher)
Shirley Ann Cheek, nee Belcher, age 84, passed away while surrounded by her loving family on Monday, July 5, 2021.
Shirley was born and raised in Penhook, Virginia to, the late James W. Belcher and Fannie Bettie Hancock. As a child, she was educated in the Franklin County School District. Later, Shirley moved to Asbury Park, New Jersey, where she began a career as a live-in caregiver for those in need.
After relocating to New Jersey, Shirley married and began her journey of motherhood, giving birth to six beautiful boys. Then, in her early 40’s, she gave her life to Jesus Christ which, changed her life.
In 1988, Shirley graduated from New-World Theological Seminary, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Religious Education. In 1991, Shirley graduated from Manhattan Bible Institute with her second bachelor’s degree in Divinity.
After retirement, Shirley found a new passion as a missionary to further her work for Jesus Christ. She traveled abroad to Nairobi, Kenya. There she enhanced her missionary work, feeding and aiding the less fortunate. While Shirley lived amongst the local people in Kenya, God gave her a vision. Shirley created a program called Preventive Four Steps Christian Ministries. Her holistic ministry was based in the village of Murera, located in Ruiru, Kenya. Preventive Four Steps Christian Ministries intervened under God’s direction relieving the community of some of its financial burdens. It alleviated suffering from the poverty-stricken and under-privileged. Shirley’s program had a four-step mission that provided nourishment, education, medical care, and spiritual and social values to fifty-five desolate children and their mothers.
Shirley returned to the United States reluctantly once the region became volatile. Nevertheless, she continued spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Shirley was baptized, a mother, missionary, evangelist, spreading the word of God, witnessing for Jesus, and lived under his grace. Shirley was a beloved member of the Westampton Senior Gathering, a member of the Point Church in Westampton, and a member of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in New York.
Although Shirley suffered from medical issues for many years, she was at peace. She never feared going home because she loved the Lord and cherished her family and many friends. Shirley was prepared and even prepared all of us for her homegoing.
Shirley is predeceased by spouse, Edward Cheek, her brothers, Pleaze Belcher, Earlie Belcher, Melvin Belcher, Charlie Belcher, James “Richard” Belcher, Johnnie Belcher, Alex Belcher; sisters, Viny Mayhem and Jimmie Hunter; sons, Donald Belcher and Edward “Chubby'' Cheek, Jr.
Shirley is survived by her sons, Ronald Cheek, George Cheek, Stanley Cheek (Natalia), and Darryl Cheek (Robin); sister, Joyce Sigler (Jesse); brothers, Gary Belcher (Alice), James “Matthew” Belcher (Martha), and Willie Belcher; 17 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and close friends.
We give thanks and praise for the life she lived and the legacy she left.
Shirley was born and raised in Penhook, Virginia to, the late James W. Belcher and Fannie Bettie Hancock. As a child, she was educated in the Franklin County School District. Later, Shirley moved to Asbury Park, New Jersey, where she began a career as a live-in caregiver for those in need.
After relocating to New Jersey, Shirley married and began her journey of motherhood, giving birth to six beautiful boys. Then, in her early 40’s, she gave her life to Jesus Christ which, changed her life.
In 1988, Shirley graduated from New-World Theological Seminary, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Religious Education. In 1991, Shirley graduated from Manhattan Bible Institute with her second bachelor’s degree in Divinity.
After retirement, Shirley found a new passion as a missionary to further her work for Jesus Christ. She traveled abroad to Nairobi, Kenya. There she enhanced her missionary work, feeding and aiding the less fortunate. While Shirley lived amongst the local people in Kenya, God gave her a vision. Shirley created a program called Preventive Four Steps Christian Ministries. Her holistic ministry was based in the village of Murera, located in Ruiru, Kenya. Preventive Four Steps Christian Ministries intervened under God’s direction relieving the community of some of its financial burdens. It alleviated suffering from the poverty-stricken and under-privileged. Shirley’s program had a four-step mission that provided nourishment, education, medical care, and spiritual and social values to fifty-five desolate children and their mothers.
Shirley returned to the United States reluctantly once the region became volatile. Nevertheless, she continued spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Shirley was baptized, a mother, missionary, evangelist, spreading the word of God, witnessing for Jesus, and lived under his grace. Shirley was a beloved member of the Westampton Senior Gathering, a member of the Point Church in Westampton, and a member of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in New York.
Although Shirley suffered from medical issues for many years, she was at peace. She never feared going home because she loved the Lord and cherished her family and many friends. Shirley was prepared and even prepared all of us for her homegoing.
Shirley is predeceased by spouse, Edward Cheek, her brothers, Pleaze Belcher, Earlie Belcher, Melvin Belcher, Charlie Belcher, James “Richard” Belcher, Johnnie Belcher, Alex Belcher; sisters, Viny Mayhem and Jimmie Hunter; sons, Donald Belcher and Edward “Chubby'' Cheek, Jr.
Shirley is survived by her sons, Ronald Cheek, George Cheek, Stanley Cheek (Natalia), and Darryl Cheek (Robin); sister, Joyce Sigler (Jesse); brothers, Gary Belcher (Alice), James “Matthew” Belcher (Martha), and Willie Belcher; 17 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and close friends.
We give thanks and praise for the life she lived and the legacy she left.