Cherie Sue (Daniels) Heishman

Cherie Sue (Daniels) Heishman was born on April 6, 1937 in her beloved hometown of Ladora, Iowa. As the eldest living child and only daughter of Clement and Margaret Daniels, Cherie was full of love and energy, traits that she would be known for throughout life, whether playing on the Ladora High School girls’ basketball team or rounding up children for Vacation Bible School as a pastor’s wife. She was a devoted big sister to her younger brothers, Denny and Timmy, even when she and Denny would fuss about whose turn it was to practice the piano. Annual “vacations” (fishing trips) to her Uncle Judd Daniels’ resort on Lake Winnibigoshish in Minnesota were a treasured family tradition that continued well into the growing-up years of her own grandchildren. In 1956, she gave birth to her dearly loved only child, Marcia Kim. Little Marcia quickly established herself as the apple of her family’s eye: a much doted on daughter, niece, and granddaughter. She was also the unwitting Cupid who—while playing in a laundromat in Washington, DC, where Cherie was working for U.S. Congressman Fred Schwengel—introduced her mother to Richard Heishman, a country boy from West Virginia. Cherie and Richard married on December 8, 1962. They moved to Iowa, where he adopted Marcia as his own, and they lived as a family in both Davenport and Belle Plaine. In the years that followed, Cherie would often travel with Richard in his work as a salesman for Palco farm equipment. In the early 1970’s Richard surrendered to God’s call to the ministry and joined Marcia as a student at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. During their time in Greenville, Cherie and Richard celebrated the birth of their first granddaughter, Ellen, whom Cherie devotedly cared for during her first year of life while Marcia worked. Cherie abhorred a mess, and was a world-class housekeeper, tireless organizer, and incredible cook. Her rhubarb and cherry pies and coconut layer cake were second-to-none. Her home and table were always open and welcoming to the many guests that “Pastor Richard” brought home throughout the years. She had a wonderful sense of humor. Many great memories include times when Cherie, her mother Margaret, her Aunt Bernice, and Marcia would get so tickled about something they couldn’t stop laughing. Most importantly, she loved the Lord. Her grandchildren remember her being up early every morning to read her Bible and pray. She had a tender heart to serve others, demonstrated over and over in her daily devotion to both her family and for over 30 years, as “Sister Cherie” to the parishioners of Northside Baptist Church, where she served as pastor’s wife, church organist, and trusted friend. In the final years of her life, Marcia cared for Cherie in her home, just as she once cared for her own mother, Margaret. Even as her body and mind weakened, she gave many sweet smiles and was thrilled by a recent visitor, exclaiming “That’s my brother!” when she saw Tim. Cherie passed quietly into the arms of Jesus on July 21, 2023, surrounded by the love of her family and full of the hope of many joyful reunions in heaven. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Ephraim Heishman; her parents, Clement Harrison & Margaret (Shaull) Daniels; two brothers, Gary Lynn Daniels and Denver Bryce Daniels; and her sister-in-law, Anita (Smith) Daniels. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Marcia (Heishman) and Mark Edward Weaver; three grandchildren, Ellen Elizabeth, Jason Daniel, and Megan Kim Weaver; one great grandson, Jackson Daniel Weaver; her baby brother, Timothy Kent Daniels (Di); sister-in-law, Sheryl (Pauley) Daniels; and many nieces and nephews. A service of thanksgiving for Cherie’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at Harmony Baptist Church (80 Long Forest Drive, Greenville 29617). The family will receive visitors at 1:00 p.m. at the church. Memorial remembrances may be made to Harmony Baptist Church.

Cherie Sue (Daniels) Heishman

April 6, 1937 - July 21, 2023