Passed away June 20, 2022. No Public Viewing. Wake & Funeral Friday, July 1, 2022, 10:00 & 10:45 am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church 4341 E. 131st Street, Garfield Heights, Ohio 44105. Interment at Lake View Cemetery.
Obituary
Sheryl Arlene Cleggett Blakemore was born on Sunday, April 13, 1947 at 12:23 p.m. to Stanley Harrison Cleggett and Lily Mae Thomas Cleggett in Youngstown, Ohio.
She attended Cleveland Public Schools, transferred to Collinwood High School for major work, and graduated from Orange High School in June 1965.
She was invited to join the Honors Program at Tennessee State University in Nashville, where she graduated with honors in 1969, majoring in elementary education and minoring in psychology. She received her Master of Arts Degree in Education from Marygrove College in 2000.
Sheryl began her teaching career with Cleveland Municipal School District (“CMSD”) in September 1969 at Washington Irving Elementary School teaching first grade. Throughout her 37-year career, she taught grades 1-6 at various CMSD schools eventually retiring from Marion Sterling in 2006. Sheryl’s professional passion was positively impacting children through her work. She had a great rapport with children, especially young African-American men, and always worked to inspire and motivate them. She was recognized as a Martha Holden Jennings Foundation Scholar in 1991 and featured in a 2002 Cleveland Plain Dealer article about her teaching philosophy and career.
Sheryl married Leslie K. Blakemore on July 17, 1971 and two sons were born of their union: Edward and Daniel. The couple divorced in 2017.
She was baptized at Bethany Baptist Church in 1957. She converted to Catholicism in 1976, when she joined St. Jude Church in Warrensville Heights and St. Henry’s in Cleveland. When St. Jude closed in 2006, she joined Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Garfield Heights.
Following her parents into community service, she was appointed Woodmere Village Clerk of Council in 1995, being re-elected to the position seven times. Sheryl retired from the position at the end of 2021. She also served as co-advisor of the Woodmere Youth Group, which Daniel founded, for ten years.
She was active in many organizations including: the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa (Alpha Xi Chapter), serving as a co-advisor of the young men’s group for five years; Orange Patronaires, where she regularly provided homemade baked desserts for High School Choir concerts from 1999 until 2015; the Tennessee State University Alumni Association (Life Member); Orange High School Alumni Association (Life Member); and the Orange Alliance of Black Parents.
Sheryl departed this life on Monday, June 20, 2022.
Sheryl was predeceased by her beloved father, Stanley. She is survived by her mother Lily Thomas Cleggett; former husband Leslie K. Blakemore; sons Edward Harrison (Patrice) and Daniel Allan (Maria Hanley); brother James L. Wooding (Brenda); grandchildren Christopher Alexander, Stephen Michael, David Anthony, Harrison John, Landon Thomas and Jacqueline Elizabeth Blakemore; nieces Mia, Michelle, Tasheena, Rasheena, Candra and Alize Wooding; nephews Anthony, Quincy and Tajay Wooding; an aunt Gladys Thomas Pippens and an uncle James B. Thomas, Jr.; a host of cousins, other relatives and friends, among them her best friend Karen L. Kollman.
Phyllis Wilkes
Sincere condolences to the family of Sheryl Blakemore in the loss of your loved one. Sheryl was a co-worker at Harvey Rice Elementary School. May God keep you in His care as your memories of Sheryl sustain you in the difficult days ahead as you adjust to your lives without your loved one. May she rest in peace.
Tom Cornhoff
I had the privilege of working with Sheryl Blakemore since 1995 and sat next to her at the Village Council Meetings. I enjoyed her “editorial comments” on some of the statements made by the elected officials and persons attending the Council Meetings. Ms. Blakemore sincerely cared about her family first, Woodmere Village and performing her Clerk of Council Duties. May God Bless the Blakemore Family during this most difficult time and thank you Sheryl for your friendship and guidance.
Jack Rosen
It was a privilege knowing this wonderful lady. She left a impressive mark on all who were fortunate to be in her presence. I feel lucky to have known her. A wonderful legacy for her children to follow . Rest In Peace and my condolences to the boys.
Linda Wheatt
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I enjoyed getting to know Sheryl as a member of the Orange Schools community and always admired her. She was friendly, energetic, service-oriented and full of ideas. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren. Your family is in my prayers.
Fred Wheatt
Sheryl was a dear friend. Our family has known Sheryl and her family since 1984. Public service and helping others is what Sheryl and her family have continuously been involved in. Prayers for comfort, joy, peace and blessings to the family.
Ada Bowers-Hill
Cousin Daniel, you and your family have my prayers. Keep Psalm 103:1, I did not get to know your mother, but as I read her obituary you and your brother are totally blessed by your mother who education speaks of a teacher that really cared for the African American male. She left a rich heritage for all that knew her. Love in Christ Your Cousin Ada Bowers -Hill .
Regina Glenn
I had the pleasure of working with Sheryl since 1998 and have had great conversations while laughing uncontrollably at her sense of humor. I will miss greeting her at Village Hall while fulfilling her duties as Clerk of Council. Ms. Blakemore was a walking wealth of knowledge. May God Bless and Comfort her family at this time.
Michael Brooks
My heart and prayers are with the Blakemore’s and family. Ed and I are lifetime friends and Mrs. Blakemore was my second mom. She looked out for me while I lived in Cleveland and was one of my influences to pursue education. I will miss sharing stories about teaching with her. Her spirit will live on through the numerous lives she touched and inspired. She will be greatly missed.
Chester Lottier
I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to the Blakemore and Cleggett family. Sheryl and I were classmates at Orange High School. My family and I will keep you in our prayers.
Sandi Mayfield Matthews
We grew up across the street from each other from the age six to about 13. I spent about as much time at her house as I did at my own since her grandmother watched me while my mom was at work when grandparents still lived with their families. When Sheryl moved, her new house in Orange Village became Party Central! Everybody from Cleveland’s Glenville, Collinwood, Lee Harvard, Shaker Heights, East Cleveland, Cleveland Heights all of us traveled to Orange to get to Sheryl’s parties. It’s probably where our Just Friends group began. We were just laughing and talking in April when I called her for her birthday.
…. and now she is gone. Rest in Heavenly
Peace Sheryl.🙏🏽😪💕
delores momon
My love and prayers go out to the Blakemore family.
My dear friend Sheryl will be missed. We shared so many good times working in the community together. Cheryl was a hard worker, a dedicated teacher, and a mother who was fully committed to her children and grandchildren. The love, and kindness she shared with others will live on forever.
Love, Delores Momon and family
Benjamin Holbert, Mayor
The Village of Woodmere is saddened to learn of the passing of Sheryl Blakemore. She followed her parents calling for servant leadership, having been appointed Clerk of Woodmere Council January 3, 1995.
She was re-elected to the position seven times. Clerk Blakemore retired from her Council role December 2021 but was appointed to tend to the Village’s official record again on January 1, 2022 and continued to serve … until she could serve no more.
Respectfully Submitted
Gerald ("Gerry") Turner
“Gone Too Soon,” as the song goes, understates how powerfully Sheryl’s absence is now, and will continue to be felt. She introduced Greater Cleveland to Orange Village proper and Woodmere Village specifically. And yes, her home on Maplecrest was indeed “Party Central,” seismic happenings all. The Halls of Orange High School were never the same after Sheryl graced them with her unique poise and presence. Sincerest condolences to the family and dear friends who have been truly blessed by her laughter and spirit! All-ways Lovingly, may her memories be a blessing!
Charlett Bundy
My deepest condolences to the Blakemore family. A sudden loss is difficult to bear, especially when it is someone who added so much to the lives of so many.
Johnny J. Brewington
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK PROFESSIONAL
FIRE FIGHTERS
Resolution
To The Family of Sheryl Blakemore
When mortal life has passed through all the phases and experiences allowed to it, and its responsibilities
have been met and fulfilled, though saddened by its close, we should take comfort in knowing that God gives
rest.
Whereas Sheryl Blakemore, Woodmere Village Clerk of Council and pillar of her community has made an indelible
impression for the betterment of society.
Whereas, it has pleased our Heavenly Father, in His infinite mercy and wisdom, to call from among us and from
the labors of this life to the sweet rest and fellowship of saints in heaven, the beloved Sheryl Blakemore.
Be it therefore Resolved, that even though death causes much sorrow, we encourage the family members to look to God who can comfort us in all our troubles and give strength for the days ahead. We pray that the
strengthening and sustaining power of the Holy Spirit, will keep you in this difficult time.
Be it Resolved, that although your presence will be greatly missed by your loved ones and those of us who knew you, we will accept with submission God’s will,
and look forward with joy to meeting you in Heaven.
Be it Further Resolved that we, the Vanguards of Cleveland and the seventh president for International
Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters,
Johnny J. Brewington, extend to the members of this bereaved family our heartfelt sympathy in their loss
and remind them that God understands all.
understands all.
This First Day of July 2022