Merrie "Jo" Cherry

Merrie "Jo" or “Meah” Cherry, 83, of Shelbyville, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026. Not many people can call out to God and say that they are ready to come home after giving all that they can give and living their life to their fullest. Our Meah was one of those people.

She was born on September 30, 1942, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the daughter of Bernard and Celia (Waters) Cranford. On June 29, 1962, she married James Henderson “Jim" Cherry III, and he preceded her in death on May 25, 2017.

Jo is survived by her daughter, Anna Cherry, of Lexington, South Carolina; son, Jonathan Cherry of Shelbyville; brother, Bernard Cranford of Inman, South Carolina; and five Grandchildren, Jason Henderson Cherry, Caroline Michelle Cherry, David Linn Cross, Ian Joseph Cross, and Lydia Lauren Cross.

In addition to Jim, Jo was preceded in death by her parents; and son, James Henderson Cherry IV.

Her participation in her community was broad, and her impact on individuals and her family, and in her community was deep and meaningful. Jo attended the University of South Carolina.

She formerly worked at Ameritrust Bank from 1988 to 1991.

Jo was a member of the First United Methodist Church, where she served as Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees and was a Lay Leader from 1984 to 1996.

She was also a member of numerous other organizations including, PEO Sisterhood (and past president) Chap. B.L. (ES), Woman's Club, History Club, Unique Supper Club, DOM club, BSF, United Methodist Women (where she was past president), Chamber of Commerce, director of Newcomer's Welcoming, the Shelby County Cancer Board, the Library Board, and the Salvation Army Board. When others her age were entering retirement, she continued to serve others and her God as the wife of a pastor.

She had a remarkable gift for making every person she met feel seen, valued, and loved. Her generosity of spirit, unwavering faith, and ability to bring people together created a lasting impact. She leaves behind a legacy of love, grace, and a community made stronger because she was part of it.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will be held Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 11 am until 1 pm at the First United Methodist Church, 34 W. Washington St., in Shelbyville, Indiana. A memorial

Service will follow at 1:00 pm.

Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 136 E. Washington St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.

Or donations can be made to Shelby County Public Library Friends of the Library

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Online condolences may be shared with Jo’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.