Theodora (Smith) Cheatham

At age 101, Theodora Cheatham of Brownsville, PA slept into the arms of Jesus on September 27, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. She was born January 31, 1917 in Carlton, Alabama, daughter of the late Elder James Smith and Tena Strafford- Smith. Her family moved to Filbert, PA in the late 1920’s. She moved to New York and was employed by Pullman Railroad Co, and, attended Cosmetology school.

Upon returning to Pennsylvania, Theodora met Robert “Bob” C. Cheatham, whom she married on March 22, 1947 and they were blessed with one daughter, Denise Cheatham.  They were blessed to be married for 53 years, until Bob’s passing in 2000.. Theodora was a lifelong hair dresser in Brownsville, Pa and employed by Brownsville General Hospital.

Theodora was raised in the Church of God in Christ in Uniontown, PA and was a faithful and devoted member of the Mount Lebanon Baptist Church, in Brownsville, PA for over 50 years. Theodora served as Mother of the Church for over twenty years. She also served as a Sunday School Teacher for the Primary class, Deaconess and was a member of the Missionary Circle, the Chrysanthemum Club, Senior Choir, United Community Choir. She loved singing for the Lord and took her seat in the choir stand every Sunday morning until her health no longer permitted it, and then she sang from her pew seat until her failing health no longer permitted her to attend church. The Lord kept a song on her heart and she would sing at home in her favorite chair.  Even when she wasn’t feel well, singing was a comfort for her. She was singing the song “Blessed Quietness” the day before God called her home.  Theodora had a special love for Mount Lebanon Baptist Church and her pastor, and she didn’t mind letting them know.

Theodora was a loving, dedicated, sweet spirit, with a quiet but strong demeanor.  Her love and care for her daughter, Denise, her granddaughter, Jacie and her great-grandchildren was beyond compare.  She was the matriarch of her family and a loving mother figure to all her nieces and nephews and most of the neighborhood. Theodora was the most unselfish person in the world and had many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Alfonso Smith, and two sisters Ida M. Greene, and Edna M. Sweeney- Butler.

She leaves to cherish her memory one daughter Denise Cheatham of Brownsville, PA, one granddaughter Jacie Cheatham (Thomas Jackson), three great- granddaughters Sydni, Honour and Trinity all from Brownsville, PA. Brother-in-law Clarence Butler of Cleveland, OH, two Godchildren Kevin Hancock, Beaumont, TX and Terri Davis, Detroit, MI. In addition, she leaves a host of special nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. A special caregiver Marci Eperjesi of Labelle, PA.

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