Decatur – Cheryl L. (Norman) Nation, 58, Decatur, passed away Saturday, August 27, 2011 at home with her husband by her side after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer.
A memorial service to celebrate Cheryl’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 2, 2011 at Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home, 515 West Wood Street, Decatur, Illinois with visitation one hour prior to services. Burial will be at Hall Cemetery, Blue Mound, Illinois.
Surviving are her beloved husband of 17 years, Tom Nation (Decatur); sons, Danny Lewis (Columbus, IN) and SSgt. Joshua (Tori) Forbess (serving in the U.S. Army, Germany); mother, Trudy (Bob) Norman-Basile (Crystal Lake, IL); sister, Carol (Don) Lischalk (Palatine, IL); grandchildren, Brooklyn, Savannah, and Cody (Columbus, IN); niece, Dian (Chris) Ladd (Cary, IL), nephew, Brett Lischalk (Crystal Lake, IL); and grand-niece and god-daughter, Taryn Ladd (Cary, IL). Cheryl was preceded in death by her father, Bennie Norman (Clearwater, FL), and brother, James Norman (Long Beach, CA).
Cheryl was born in Decatur, Illinois on August 21, 1953. A lifelong resident of the Decatur area, Cheryl was a graduate of Mt. Zion High School.
During her former career as Manager at Spring Creek Towers, Cheryl loved working with the elderly. She often said her days were filled with wonderful conversations and so much laughter it kept her young at heart.
Never a fair-weather fan, Cheryl reveled in watching the Chicago Bears games – win or lose. She enjoyed going to the pre-season training camps and could hardly wait for the new season to begin each year. As her voicemail message reminded callers, “You have reached the phone of the #1 Chicago Bears fan.”
A staunch supporter of our troops and military families, Cheryl proudly wore the badge proclaiming her role as the mother of an active serviceman. Until her illness intervened, she was involved with the local Operation Enduring Support organization.
Her family would like to express appreciation to Dr. Benjamin Esparaz, Cancer Care Specialists, for the care provided during her battle. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to the Cancer Care Specialist of Central Illinois (CCSCI) Charitable Fund. Information is available on their website.
