Betty Cheeks

BETTY CATHRYN CHEEKS, daughter of the late Catherine and Waverly Rooservelt Smith, Sr. was born on April 30, 1943 in Cumberland, Virginia. God called her home on October 13, 2020, after a lengthy illness. Betty was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System, and graduated from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High. Later she was employed by the Baltimore City Public School System from 1981-1983, when she found out she was pregnant with her baby girl. After Ashley was born, she started at the United States Postal Service, where she served for 10 years. On October 24, 1959, she married the love of her life, Willie Rocco Cheeks. Saturday was their 61st wedding anniversary, and they were still very much in love! Willie adored “Bett”. From this union came four children; two boys and two girls. Her children were her best friends and meant the world to her. Betty was also close with her siblings. She had a special bond with her grandchildren; and was like a second mom to her nieces and nephews. Betty loved her family and friends. They would often sit around the table at family gatherings and talk about back in the day. She would open her home to everyone, especially those she loved. She was a strong lady, tiny in stature, known for her beautiful head of hair, big personality, and an even bigger heart. Betty loved to cook and entertain. It was a family tradition to come to her house during the holidays, or any day for food and fun. The family would often gather for dinner, to play cards, or just to visit. She’d be watching her shows with “WuII”, drinking a cup of coffee or her Pepsi, laughing, telling stories and jokes! Years back you would have caught her sewing. She was a very smart, witty, creative, stylish, and talented woman. Betty was a great wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Doctors tried to count Betty out many times over the years, however she showed them! She fought through every battle and bounced back even prettier, stronger, and with longer hair! Her strength was phenomenal and a true gift from God. Some of the fondest memories her husband, children, and grandchildren have is that she greatly loved them all, yet she knew how to love them individually in her own special way. She knew exactly what each of them needed. She would often feed some of the children in the neighborhood who were hungry. Betty leaves to cherish her memory: husband, Willie R. Cheeks Sr.; sons, Willie R. Cheeks, Jr. (Nyesha Cheeks), Andre Cheeks (Marlene Cheeks); daughter, Tracy D. Bell (David Bell); grandchildren, Tracy A. Cheeks, Audrea S. Cheeks, Brittany D. Bell, Brandon D. Bell, Keyon A. Ford Jr.; great-grandchildren, Anwion and Amound Cheeks, Zoe S. Cheeks; brother, Waverly R. “Brother” Smith Jr.; sisters, Lucy L. “Sister” Davenport Johnson, Mary Ann Fritz (Marvin Fritz), Pamela Smith. Preceded her in death is her daughter Ashley M. Cheeks, grandson Andre “Aunie Baby” Cheeks, and siblings Robert C. Smith, Sr., Ida P. Sykes-Williams, Wayne D. Smith, and Daryl S. Smith.

Tributes

Betty Cheeks

April 30, 1943 - October 13, 2020