God knew exactly what he was doing when he completed the Long family unit with Cherie Yvonne on September 8, 1954. The youngest of four children born to Reverend Clemmie P. Long, Sr., and Elizabeth Grinstead Long, Cherie made the family circle complete. Georgia, Julia, Clemmie, Jr., and all of them adored Cherie. Cherie is a name that carries a unique charm and warmth, often associated with love and affection. Her name is a testament to who she is, her very character.

Having Reverend C. P. Long, Sr., as an earthly father and “Lit” as a mother, she was insured an introduction to Jesus Christ, but she made the decision to accept Him as her personal Savior at an early age at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. As a result of her father’s ministry and her mother’s support, Cherie had fellowship and relationships with numerous Christians, ministers, ministries and congregations; Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church (Spring Creek), Nevels Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church (Springfield) and finally back home to Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church. Cherie never stopped serving. She was a pianist, choir member, recording and corresponding secretary, trustee, vacation bible schoolteacher and Sunday School teacher. You name it, she did it in kingdom building.

Cherie did not serve because she had to—she served because that was simply who she was. She fully understood the meaning of the Scripture, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” Cherie believed that the blessings God placed in her life were to be shared in service to others, and she gave of herself faithfully, humbly and wholeheartedly.

The Cumberland River South Kentucky Middle Tennessee Baptist District Association is better because of Cherie’s years of devoted service and leadership. She served faithfully as President of the District Youth Department, Sunday School and BTU Congress Secretary; most recently as Parent Body Corresponding Secretary. Her dedication to the work of the Lord through Cumberland River was unwavering and she supported the Association tirelessly.

For more than 30 years, Cherie also gave generously of her time and talents to the Little Fork District Association, where her faithful service and leadership left an enduring mark. She was a willing worker in the Kingdom, always ready to labor where she was needed.

Cherie was educated in the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System and was a proud graduate of Clarksville High School, Class of 1972. She believed the Word of God and lived by the Scripture, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Cherie’s life reflected this belief through her pursuit of both spiritual and academic excellence.

She furthered her education at Austin Peay State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education, a Master of Science in Education, and an Educational Specialist Degree. Her commitment

to learning reflected her love for God, her passion for education and her desire to use every gift entrusted to her for His glory.

A lady from birth, Cherie carried herself with grace, dignity; and purpose throughout her life. As she matured, she embraced the mission and ideals of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ®, and in the fall of 1985, she became a proud member of the Nu Kappa Omega Chapter.

Within the sorority, Cherie served faithfully in many capacities, including Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, and President, a role she held from 2018 to 2021. She was a dedicated and committed member whose leadership, wisdom, and unwavering service made a lasting impact on her chapter and all who had the privilege of serving alongside her.

Cherie’s mentorship, sisterhood and friendship extended far beyond the pink, green, and ivy. What she gave to others was not simply the essence of the sorority—it was the essence of Cherie. She embodied true sisterhood through her love, encouragement, support, and steadfast presence in the lives of those she touched.

Cherie’s professional accomplishments within the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System were extensive and impactful. For more than 40 years, she devoted herself to the field of education, serving not only as an instructor, but as a leader, advocate and champion for students and families throughout the community.

Her distinguished career began in the classroom as a teacher, and over the years she faithfully served in many capacities, including Consulting Teacher, Title I Learning Center Educator and CMCSS Federal Programs Coordinator. In every role, Cherie demonstrated excellence, compassion and an unwavering commitment to helping others succeed.

As Federal Programs Coordinator, her responsibilities reached far beyond traditional educational duties. She provided oversight and support for the homeless student population, managed Title I funds for private schools and coordinated numerous other federal programs designed to meet the needs of students and families. Cherie’s work was both meaningful and far-reaching, her influence within the school system will continue to be felt for generations to come.

On March 9, 2026, heaven rejoiced upon her arrival, as Cherie once again completed the Long family unit. The generations left to cherish her legacy of love and service are devoted and caring nieces; Valerie Bosley, Clarksville, TN, Tonya Bosley, Nashville, TN, Veronica (Vernon) Stem, Clarksville, TN; nephew; Clemmie P. Long, III (Trey), Clarksville, TN; great-nephews; William Xaviar Harris, Nashville, TN, Thomas Benjamin (Anuksha) Galloway, Midlothian, TX, Vernon, IV., Lamar and Victor Stem; sister-in-law, Ethel Long; God-daughter, Tiffany (Antonio) Cruell, all of Clarksville, TN; God-son, Dontez (Petra) Huskey ,Springfield, TN; God-grandchildren; Amara Cruell and Dontez L. Huskey, Jr., Cherie’s loving and faithful cousins are too numerous to list but loved her immensely; and finally those who loved her dearly through the years; Eddie Stephens, Debbie Nichols, Mary Davila, Rosalyn Evans and Jo Ann Pettus-Mayes.