Cheri Anice McElroy

Cheri Anice McElroy passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 in Hiawassee, GA surrounded by her family.

She was born in 1956 in Bartow, Florida to Robert W. McElroy, Sr. and Anice S. McElroy.  Cheri lived the remainder of her life in Winter Haven, FL. 

Cheri is survived by her sister Kimberly Maynard (Don) of Young Harris, GA and her brother Robert W. McElroy, Jr. of Winter Haven, FL.

Cheri graduated from Winter Haven High School in 1974 with Highest Honors.  After High School, Cheri earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with Magna Cum Laude honors from Florida Southern College and a Master of Education degree with honors from the University of South Florida.  She spent her entire career working for the Polk County School Board as an Elementary school class room teacher, Teacher of Gifted students and retired serving as a Media Specialist.

Cheri earned the National Board Certified Teacher for Library Media Early Childhood - Young Adults Certification from December 13, 2006 - December 13, 2016.  The National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in education.   She was awarded 1995 Garden Grove Elementary School Teacher of the Year and 2006 Jewett School of the Arts Teacher of the Year.  She was a Certified Professional Developer for Polk County School Board and conducted district-level professional development. 

She was a member of Florida Association of Media Educators, Polk Educational Media Association, Delta Kappa Gamma (Professional Honor Society of Key Women Educators), Kappa Delta Pi (International Honor Society)  and Phi Beta Pi Fraternity for Women.

Cheri was a lifelong member of the First Church of Christ Scientist in Winter Haven, FL.  She served as First Reader, Second Reader, Church Board Member, Clerk of the Church, Lending Library Librarian and served on many church committees.  Cheri walked with the Lord every day and it showed in the way she lived her life and the way she treated people every day.

Cheri was a talented basket maker specializing in Nantucket, Shaker and Pine straw baskets.   She enjoyed watercolor painting, scrapbooking and needlework.  Her family, treasured friends, Christian faith, live music, vacationing at the beach in Florida and spending time in the mountains of North Georgia were the loves of her life.

In lieu of flowers, please donate children's books to your favorite library or make memorial donations in Cheri's name to Regency Hospice, 350 S. Main Street, Hiawassee, GA  30546.