Cheryl Ann Gilbreath

Cheryl Ann Gilbreath, 67, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 14, 2024, while surrounded by her loving family. Cheryl was born on April 30, 1957, in Gladewater, Texas, to Robert and Helen Sexton.

From a young age, Cheryl showed a remarkable dedication to her community and education. She attended Chapel Hill ISD, where she graduated in 1975. Her career in the health industry began as a medical transcriptionist at Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, Texas. Cheryl’s passion for helping others led her to pursue further education at Tyler Junior College, where she earned a degree as a Registered Nurse in 1986. Her hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed, as she was recognized in Who’s Who among Students in American Junior Colleges in 1977-78.

Cheryl found her early calling as a labor and delivery nurse at Mother Frances Hospital. Her career took a joyful turn in 1991 when she met the love of her life, Ronald Gilbreath. The two were married on May 28, 1992, and recently celebrated their 32nd anniversary.

In Odessa, Texas, Cheryl continued to excel, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Tech University in 1995. She was a proud member of several honor societies, including Sigma Theta Tau, Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Eta Sigma, and Alpha Lambda Delta. Her achievements were further recognized with The Golden Key Honor Society Award and the Spirit of Nursing Award from the Army Nurse Corps.

Cheryl’s pursuit of excellence continued as she commuted to the University of Texas at Arlington, where she earned a Master of Science in Nursing in 1997 and became board-certified as a Gerontologic Nurse Practitioner. Cheryl and Ron later moved to Marlin, Texas, where she accepted a position at Providence Health Center and became board-certified as an Adult Nurse Practitioner in 1998 and an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in 2001. In 2006, she co-founded C&K Nurse Practitioner Services, PC, in Waco. Unfortunately, due to health issues, Cheryl had to retire shortly thereafter.

Despite battling pain and fibromyalgia for over two decades, Cheryl’s resilience and dedication to her family never wavered. She shared countless cherished moments with her husband, children, grandchildren, and recently, her great grandbaby, which brought her immense joy.

In her final years, Cheryl moved to the Dallas area to live with her youngest son and his family, who provided unwavering care and support, ensuring she was surrounded by love and comfort until her last moments. Cheryl’s enduring spirit and love for her family will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.

Cheryl was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Helen Sexton, and her grandson, Joshua Eugene Roberts. She is survived by her brother, Timothy Sexton and spouse Connie; bonus sister, Brenda Green; son, Ricky Roberts and spouse Blanca; daughter, Julie Roberts; son, Dustin Lawrence and spouse Victoria; step-daughters, Renisa Barrington and spouse Russell, Maranda McCary; step-son, Ryon Gilbreath and spouse Brianna; and her grandchildren, Dominique, Savannah, Landon, Caleb, Khloe, Kira, Gabriel and spouse Tess, Hannah and spouse TJ, McKenzie, and Isaiah. Cheryl is also survived by several step-grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, her beloved niece, Laura Castagnola and spouse Cory, and two great-nieces, Lena and Tessa. Additionally, she leaves behind her best friend since grade school, Sue Maynard Ohnheiser.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Baylor Scott and White Cancer Center McKinney, and special thanks to Dr. Adam Flowers and Paula Smith, RN, at Vesper Medical Care Waco.

Cheryl’s life was a testament to her dedication, resilience, and boundless love for her family and friends. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

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