Cheri Hunter Laid to Rest

Cheri Lynn Hunter, Esq.

"A light and a delight"

An analyst with a steel-trap legal mind, an independent thinker with the unique insight of an artist, Cheri Hunter used her gifts and talent to bridge the chasm between what is and what can be.

Cheri's brilliant light was dimmed on Feb. 20, 2014, when she succumbed to illness after a hard-fought battle that was in keeping with her indomitable spirit.

A celebration of Cheri’s outstanding life took place Saturday, March 1 at Mt. Gillard Baptist Church, 8376 U.S. Highway 80 W., Tyler, Ala. Arrangements were handled by Phillips-Riley Funeral Home of Montgomery, Ala.

Plans are underway for a memorial service to be held in Aberdeen.

Born Aug. 2, 1959 in Montgomery, Ala., Cheri was the daughter of Sgt. First Class Caesar and Ernestine Hunter. She grew up in Aberdeen, Md. During her formative years, Cheri was exposed to a number of experiences that contributed to her personal and professional growth. These included being a member of groups and organizations such as Girl Scouts; elementary, junior high and high school choruses and orchestras; and America's Youth in Concert, with which she toured Europe.

Cheri continued exploring her potential after graduating from Aberdeen High School in 1977. A strong sense of social justice and fairness led her to pursue studies in global relations and law. She earned her bachelor's degree from Goucher College, where she majored in international studies. She went on to earn her law degree from Howard University Law School. She worked in the legal field at a number of prestigious firms and legal departments, including Sidley Austin, St. Elizabeth's Hospital and the Baltimore law office of William Murphy Jr.

While Cheri was detail-oriented and had a flair for analysis, she did not limit herself to operating solely within the legal field. She also utilized her considerable talents for the performing arts.

Cheri was a musician (she began studying viola at age 9), a vocalist, an actress and a producer. Blessed with a stellar singing voice, Cheri often would burst into song during private moments, giving pleasure to those around her with her gift of song. She was a featured soloist with several groups, including acclaimed Washington D.C.-based choral ensembles led by Mrs. Shirley Berkeley. Along with her sister, Felicia, Cheri cofounded Synnergee Records. The pair performed as the duo In Two. The label's first release, "To the Rescue," garnered critical praise that especially pinpointed Cheri's extraordinary singing and artistic interpretation. The song -- and Cheri's singing -- made such an impression that the producers of the 2007 film "And Then Came Love," starring Eartha Kitt, Ben Vereen and Vanessa Williams, selected it to be included as part of the soundtrack for that movie. Cheri can be heard singing in the background during a pivotal scene in which Williams' character and her love interest (Kevin Daniels) are getting to know one another during an evening out together. 

At the time of Cheri's passing she was preparing to appear in a lead role in "Scenes and Songs from Fannie Lou: On Broadway," which was to be performed in New York City at Broadway's August Wilson Theatre. The one-night-only special event was planned to feature selected music and dialogue from the new original musical Fannie Lou, inspired by the life of voting rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer.

Cheri also loved the aesthetics of fashion. She reveled in putting together wardrobes for herself and others, and could spend hours at department stores contentedly browsing through the latest styles. She especially enjoyed sharing this love of fashion with her sister Jackie.

Despite her vast accomplishments, Cheri was always friendly, open and approachable. She enjoyed spending time with others, and had a special bond with her mother, with whom she lived.

She attended Union United Methodist Church in Aberdeen and New Bethel Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.

Upon hearing of Cheri's passing, one relative described her as "a light and a delight." That sums up Cheri's presence, exuberance, indomitable spirit and existence on this earth. She was loving, caring, empathetic and compassionate. With her life, she made a difference in the lives of those around her, impacting them for the better. Cheri was our shining light. She is very much loved. And she will be very much missed.

Cheri was predeceased by her father, Caesar Hunter. She was laid to rest near him. Cheri leaves behind to cherish her memory her mother, Ernestine Hunter; sisters Jacqueline Hunter-Strand and Felicia Hunter; aunt Dorothy Edwards; cousins Loretta Cosby Walker, William Cosby, Elmer James Cosby, Janice Cosby and Moses Bandy; and a host of family, friends and acquaintances.