Cheryl Reeves-4-7-2025

Through the Lens of Love: A Tribute to Cheryl Denise Holloway Reeves

If life were a series of photographs, Cheryl Denise Holloway Reeves would be the radiant light that brought every image to life. With a heart as vast as the ocean and a spirit that embraced everyone she met, Cheryl’s story is one of love, laughter, faith, and an enduring devotion to family and friends. On March 24th, 2025, at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, NJ, she peacefully took her final bow, leaving behind a legacy as vivid and unforgettable as a cherished family album.

Born on May 27, 1957, in Long Branch, NJ, Cheryl was raised in a close-knit community that shaped her compassionate and loving nature. She attended Long Branch Public Schools and graduated from Long Branch High School in 1975. From an early age, she had an innate ability to make people feel seen, heard, and valued—a gift she carried through every chapter of her life.

Her journey into healthcare began while she was still in school, donning the classic candy striper uniform at Monmouth Medical Center. It was here that her nurturing spirit flourished, touching the lives of patients and colleagues alike. Love led her westward to California, where she shared unforgettable moments with her future husband, Craig Reeves. But Cheryl’s heart was always drawn back to Long Branch, where she continued her dedicated work at Monmouth Medical Center, serving in various roles with grace and compassion.

At the heart of her life was her greatest pride and joy—her beloved child, Craig, who later became Cõryn. As a mother, Cheryl’s love was boundless, her support unwavering. She celebrated every triumph, wiped away every tear, and stood as a pillar of strength and encouragement. Her love extended far beyond her immediate family, embracing friends, stepdaughters, nieces, and nephews with the same warmth and care.

Cheryl’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted member of Second Baptist Church of Long Branch, where she found strength, purpose, and community. She also served as a proud member of the Women’s Usher Board, greeting every soul who walked through the church doors with the warmth and kindness that defined her spirit.

She found joy in the simple yet beautiful moments of life—shopping for the perfect find, capturing memories through the lens of her camera, and surrounding herself with the people she cherished most. She was an active member of various groups and organizations, always drawn to the energy of human connection. Her laughter was infectious, her presence magnetic, and her kindness unparalleled.

She was welcomed into eternity by those who went before her: her fathers, Graylon Newman and George Riley Sr.; her mothers, LeVallie Newman and Allene Holloway; her siblings, George Riley Jr., Sharon “Dee Dee” Holloway, and Caroline “Aunie” Newman; her great-aunt, Pearlena Newman; her niece, Tiki Whatley; and her ex-husband, Craig Avan Jordan Reeves.

Left to continue her legacy of love and resilience are her devoted daughter, Cõryn A. Domècq of Long Branch, NJ; her stepdaughters, Channel Stovall of Long Branch, NJ, and Qianna Yates of Camden, NJ; her brothers, Tony Hicks (Mary Jean) of Keansburg, NJ, Aaron Riley of Eatontown, NJ, and James Askins of High Point, NC; her sisters, Lynn Riley of Freehold, NJ, and Linda Wall of Long Branch, NJ; her nieces, Lakristy Holloway, La’Nyi Goldwire, and Layonnah Goldwire of Carteret, NJ, Teshemma Underwood of Keansburg, NJ, and Cheryl Hicks (her namesake) of Barnegat, NJ; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and treasured friends.

Among those who held a special place in Cheryl’s heart were her closest friends, Vicki Olgatree of Long Branch, NJ, Debra Sapp (Sammy Sapp) of Neptune, NJ, Pamela Allyne of Eatontown, NJ, and Andrea Ivory—her soul sisters in life and laughter.

Cheryl’s life was a portrait of love, generosity, and unwavering faith. She leaves behind an imprint on the hearts of all who knew her—a masterpiece of memories, woven together with kindness and light. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her spirit will forever shine in the lives she touched.

Rest now, beautiful soul. Your story lives on in every heart you’ve embraced.