Cherie Dawnyel Graves, known to many as Pooh, or Pooh Baby, was born August 25th, 1972, to Glenetta Graves at Dominguez Valley Hospital. She was raised by her mother Glenetta and her grandmother, Rosetta Coleman (deceased) in Los Angeles County. She attended Lincoln Elementary school in Compton, CA. As she matured, she attended Felton Middle School, and then Lynwood High school.
As a young woman, Cherie developed a desire to work in the medical field, attending American Career College, where she would earn her diploma for Medical Billing in 2008. She continued to broaden her education, attending Fullerton College for Business Management. Cherie was full of love, bringing laughter to anyone she was around. She had a passion for cooking, which brought her much happiness when sharing her meals with family and friends. She’d often post pictures of her cooking skills on Instagram #CherieKitchen.
Cherie loved LAUGHING! Watching comedy movies and laughing with others brought her so much joy. She would randomly quote her favorite movie lines and everybody knew to jump in right along with her. She had this kindness of heart that would warm the hearts of everyone around her. She resumed her study of the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses, which strengthened her faith in God’s promise of a resurrection.
ACTS 24:15 says “And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous .”
Cherie was the nearest to the perfect expression of absolute love, that most could not understand. The farthest from selfishness that we have ever witnessed. She’d often defend her sensitivity by saying “That’s who I am. My heart just loves hard.” This kind of heart left a spark with family and friends that will forever shine.”
Cherie is remembered and survived by her mother, Glenetta Graves; daughter, Crystal Raelyn Graves; brothers, Chivas Graves, Sr. and Christopher Graves (Yolanda Rivera-Graves); aunts, Mona O’Neal, Sabrina Graves-Vivens, and LeTasha Collins; uncles, Thomas Jones and Derrick Vivens; first cousins, Brandon Jones and Leanna Hamilton-Upson; nephews, Chivas Graves, Jr., Trevis Graves, Robert Graves, Ka’lique Graves; nieces, Kaprese Graves, Ka’liyah Graves, Chivais Graves, and Kawayna Ford. Pooh’s special phone pal and little cousin, Zaniyah “Z-Baby” Macon, T.J. Upson, as well as a grand host of extended loving family and friends whom she held most dear in her heart.
13 Responses
I miss you everyday. You’re constantly on my mind. The greatest love of all – my mother, my best friend. I will always hear your voice and see your smile. Though you’re no longer here with me, I cherish every moment we’ve spent together and I’m happy that I was blessed to have the time that I did with you. I love you so much.
Sending thoughts and prayers with the family during this difficult time. Look forward to the time when we can welcome her back.
We just wanted to say we are sending our love and prayers to the Graves Family, extended family and friends. We look forward to welcoming her back in the new system. Love, The Houston’s ❤
The sweetest and most genuine sister. I love you girl. Can’t wait to see you again.
You were my first friend at Wine Country. I’ll never forget the laughs we shared from there. I remember when I made you laugh so hard when I said Wine Country breakfast burritos without even realizing I said that on the phone. I’ll miss driving you to the bus stop and having lunch with you. I’m really glad we met and became fast friends. You will be missed!!!
Cherie I am going to miss that pretty voice of yours that I used to brag about. Cherie you were so kind and I am going to miss you. Jasmin was talking about you last week. I remember the movie that you bought my kids and Jasmin remember when you took her and Leanna to Knots. I can’t believe that your are gone. I know that you are now resting.
May God continuw to cover, bless & comfort you. Pooh you will truely be missed. Rest weell sweetie!!
R.I.P Baby girl
Cherie, you will never be forgotten! I remember us walking to High School and stopping at Tam’s for breakfast! You were so funny and always made me laugh! It was my pleasure to call you friend! Until we meet again ❤️ My sincere condolences to your daughter and family!
Today hit me as early as 4 AM. I miss my mother so much. Today would have been her 50th birthday. I know she’s resting and even though selfishly I wish she was still here with me, I’m glad she no longer suffers on oxygen and in pain. I love you beyond measure.
I haven’t talked to you since may and it never occured to me there was a reason. I have lost two friends on the same day. I love you and will miss you. Love always Monday
It’s been 6 long months since the worst day of my life. My only goal is to see you again. Continuing to cherish the memories but also suffering because they end. I love you.
It’s been a full year and it still feels surreal. I know this cannot be read by her, so I’m just posting my feelings out loud but there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of my mother and I can’t wait to see her again. To love someone as much as I love her; this is something that will never be easy and hardly bearable.