With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the beautiful life of Cherry Wolfe Smith, a devoted wife, mother, nana, teacher, and follower of Jesus, who peacefully entered her eternal rest on April 28, 2025, surrounded by family and the sweet assurance of her faith.
Cherry was born to Bert and Marie Wolfe on February 3, 1946, who welcomed her home with open arms in Heaven. A proud graduate of Washington College Academy, Virginia Intermont College and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. She later received her Master’s from East Tennessee State University.
Cherry's life was steeped in music from an early age. She shared her gift and passion for music as a public-school music teacher for 42 years, a beloved church choir director for several churches throughout her life, the most recent at Jonesborough Presbyterian Church. She also directed numerous choirs in her life which included, Celebration Show Choir, the Johnson City Senior Chorale and The Golden Heirs. Her students and choir members didn’t just learn music, they learned joy, discipline, and the beauty of expressing oneself fully.
In 1966, she married Larry Smith. Together they raised two sons, Bert (BJ) Smith (Christy) and Chuck Smith (Vanessa), who carry on her legacy. Cherry beamed with pride as “Nana” to her eight treasured grandchildren: Meridith, Addie, Andrea, Ellie, Ezra, Jovianna, Neva, and Junia. She filled their lives with stories, songs, gifts, hugs, and many trips to the Dairy Bar. She is also survived by her brother Pat Wolfe (Becky) and nephew Kelly Wolfe (Jennifer).
Cherry’s heart beat strongest for her family, her students, her choir members and her Savior. Whether she was directing a show, or traveling and performing with her choirs, Cherry’s spirit was gentle, generous, and full of fun. She had a calming smile and welcomed everyone.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Devapiran Jaishankar, whose extraordinary compassion and dedication went far beyond professional duty. Dr. Jaishankar cared for Cherry not only with exceptional skill, but with the warmth, kindness, and concern one would show to their own family. We are forever grateful for the comfort and dignity he brought to her final days.
Funeral Services will be conducted 7:00 PM, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Jonesborough Presbyterian Church with Pastor David Anglin officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 PM, Tuesday, prior to the service. The service will also be live streamed at www.jpcusa.org.
A graveside service for immediate family will be conducted on Wednesday, May 7 at Mountain Home National Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Kelly Wolfe, Bert (BJ) Smith, and Chuck Smith.
In lieu of flowers please consider donation to the Cherry W. Smith Memorial Music Scholarship Fund.
Cherry W. Smith Memorial Music Scholarship - Consumer Credit Union
1919 N Roan Street, Johnson City, TN 37601
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.dillow-taylor.com
Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821
05/06/2025
Kyleen Chinouth Kelly
My deepest sympathies to the Smith and Wolfe families in Cherry's death. She was always a beautiful lady inside and out and so very talented. Pat and Kelly you have the entire Kyle and Sue Chinouth families sympathies. God Bless you all.
Cherry was an inspiration to generations through her music and boundless energy. She meant a great deal to the Amburgey family; we will always remember her. Now she is part of the greatest choir of all! ❤️
05/04/2025
Clara Faye Hart Rutledge
You definitely brought so much joy to anyone who knew you, Cherry. I value my time with you at Jonesborough Elementary, you were a gift from God. I know you will blessing the heavenly choir as you direct the angels. Take your well earned rest❤️
My deepest sympathy. We began our education at Washington College Elementary and graduated at Washington College Academy together in 1963 and had many wonderful times. She was a beautiful lady and so many talents. Rest in peace my dear friend.
I'm so sad to learn of her passing. She was one of the most kind and intelligent person I ever knew. She was greatly loved.
05/01/2025
Betty Jo Cloyd Dempsey
So sad to hear of Cherry's passing. We taught at JES together for many years which gave me the opportunity to teach Chuck in the 3rd grade. Cherry was such a talented lady and a wonderful asset to our school. Her student music shows were enjoyed by all, and I especially enjoyed her student presentation of The Nutcracker every year that it was directed by her. Thoughts and prayers her for family and friends.
05/01/2025
Andrew Woodward
Cherry was always loving and kind. You will be missed.
The Woodward family
We, Rankin Family, send our condolences to the family. She was such a good person, teacher and friend to our family. My sons will always cherish their memories with her when they were in elementary school. She always encouraged and supported their artistic endeavors. She will be missed.
04/30/2025
Lisa Ann Payne
Mrs. Smith was my music teacher in the 4th grade. I will always remember her beautiful voice and sweet smile! She touched so many lives in such a positive way. My condolences to her family.
04/30/2025
Linda Vines Dotson
I am so sorry to learn of Chrrry's passing. She instilled an deep love of music in me. We know that she is singing joyously in the heavenly choir. My condolences to BJ, Chuck, and your families.
Cherry was a cherished teacher and friend who shared her passions until the Lord took her hand. My deepest sympathies extend to her precious family. Who she loved deeply.
I will always remember her.
Cherry was an absolute treasure to Jonesborough Presbyterian Church. She brought out the best in our choir even the few times I sang with them.
