After a lifetime of loving people, pets, and plants the best she could with a heart that was broken early and often in a world that is far too often unkind, Cheri Lynn Grant, who was always happy to share anything she ever had – including her home with every wayward teen and stray cat that showed up – offered multiple families many more years of joy and good health with their loved ones by making her final act one of generosity as a LifeShare transplant donor. Friends and loved ones across the nation lit candles for her and her gift recipients on February 17, 2021 as she transitioned peacefully from this world cradled in the arms of her daughter.
Born in Yuba City, CA. on May 19, 1959, Cheri was an only child whose early years were marked by nomadic travel. She lived in California, Washington, Missouri, Louisiana, and Texas – some states more than once – before landing in Oklahoma in her teens. She always had a deep fondness for the Cajun people of New Orleans who taught her to fish and gave her just the hint of an accent that revealed itself when she was most at ease or on rare occasions, a tad tipsy. She found herself enamored with the nature and wildlife of every area she lived and spent as much time as possible exploring the outdoors. Rabbits, chickens, goats, cattle, cats, dogs – Cheri was never without an animal companion or three in her life – and she spoke often of her beloved horses. She was a fearless rider from an early age. Despite attending more schools than could be recalled and always the “new kid”, Cheri was described as friendly to all and an excellent student by her educators. She enjoyed basketball, volleyball, and chorus and once settled in Oklahoma, she participated in all three while attending Depew High School where she graduated in 1977.
In the spring of 1983, Cheri made what she would often say was the best and easiest decision of her life by marrying Bob Grant and they made their home together in Bristow. Having spent her formative years on the move, the stability of home was important, and she enjoyed decorating both inside and out and never missed an opportunity to celebrate the holidays in over-the-top fashion. For many years, Bob and Cheri decorated for Halloween and Christmas with outdoor displays that brought people from throughout the community to their neighborhood to enjoy. This tradition has passed on to their daughter and Cheri was always delighted to see it – especially this past COVID year when the holidays were so bleak for everyone.
Known to her small but close circle of friends as an unwavering and fiercely loyal ally, she was often the first call made in a moment of crisis or need. She held the hands of friends as they gave birth – one nearly in her living room floor – grieved loved ones, lost jobs, and left difficult relationships. She was always at the ready to offer support and when necessary, a getaway car. She had several jobs throughout her life, but most enjoyed the years she spent in nursing prior to her retirement. Regarded as both humorous and hardworking by her colleagues at Frances Streitel, she took great pride in providing care to her patients as they neared the end of life and did so with deep compassion until her own health would no longer allow it.
Her midday and middle of the night phone calls, requests for Sonic slush runs, and Black Friday shopping invitations will be missed as will her beautiful singing voice, random butt pinches, and uproarious, breathless laughter when she was tickled by something thoroughly inappropriate. In lieu of flowers, please consider becoming a LifeShare donor and when it’s safe to rejoin the world, dress up, see a film in a theater, take a friend to lunch, and brake for every garage and sidewalk sale you see. Until then, take care of any strays you meet – people and pets – and sing with the windows rolled down and the radio up on sunny days.
Surviving Cheri are her mother, Joyce Benjamin (Bristow, OK.) and mother-in-law, Juanita Grant (Bristow, OK.), her husband Bob Grant (Bristow, OK.), who saved her with his love and devotion every single day, daughter Linda Grant (Tulsa, OK.) who moved heaven and earth to keep her promise that she would not pass alone, sons Keith Grant (Bella Vista, AR.) and Christopher Grant (Owasso, OK.) whose fathering of their children made her proud beyond words, and her grandchildren who truly made her final years worth sticking around for – Emma Elizabeth, Molly, Jack, Ruby, Checotah, and Hunter. She was preceded in death by a host of family and friends too numerous to mention who she missed desperately and was no doubt overjoyed to see again in Spirit. Due to COVID, the family will hold a private memorial together in the spring to honor and celebrate her life.
