Margaret H. Cherry, 72, of Bradenton, FL, passed away on March 23, 2022. She was born on September 27, 1949, in Sarasota, FL, to the late Esau and Lula Haynes. She was educated in the Sarasota County public school system and a graduate of Booker High School, class of 1967. She continued her studies at Bethune Cookman College, graduating in 1971, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work. On November 3, 1972, Margaret married the love of her life, Marion Lee Cherry.
Margaret’s hard work and dedication afforded her many career advancement opportunities working for the State of Florida. Her proudest moment came when Governor Lawton Chiles appointed her the Regional District Supervisor for the Department of Labor for the State of Florida — the first black woman appointed to this position. She served in this capacity until she retired in 2003.
She leaves to cherish the memories of her life: sister, Juanita Cherry; brother, Robert Haynes (Anna); goddaughter, Shauni Bowden; sisters-in-law, Rita Michelle Cherry and Cherry Haynes; devoted friend and college classmate, Marcia Haynes and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, April 1, 2022, at Chandler’s Funeral Home, 1425 Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Way, Sarasota, FL. Homegoing Services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 2, 2022, at Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church, 1910 Central Avenue, Sarasota, FL. Chandler’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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