Salinas

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Cheryl Lynn Thurman, who left us peacefully on November 29, 2024 at the age of 71.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 10:30am at Holy Assembly Baptist Church, 3305 Abdy Way, Marina, CA 93933.

Cheryl Lynn Thurman the 3rd Child of the late Fred F.

Buggs Jr and Maude A. McElroy was born February 5, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois. On November 29, 2024 Cheryl completed her earthly journey and was called home to be with the merciful and eternal Heavenly Father.

Cheryl was educated in the Gary, Indiana School system, where she graduated from Roosevelt High School.

She moved toSalinas, CA in 1974 with her son Leslie.

Cheryl then attended Hartnell College in Salinas, CA where she received an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Childhood Development.

Cheryl devoted over 35 years of service to the Federal Government. She retired from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA as a Scheduler on December 13, 2016. While she excelled in her professional career, Cheryl’s greatest joy was servicing.

Cheryl served faithfully as a Christian. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Ernest Newman, until Pastor Newman was called home to be with the Lord. After much prayer and seeking God’s guidance, Cheryl joined Holy Assembly Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Raymond Martin Jr. Cheryl served faithfully as a Deaconess, a Sunday School teacher, the Choir Director, a member of the Missionary Ministry, and an Usher. She would clean the church, help feed the homeless, and always told someone about the Lord. Cheryl loved to sing and had a beautiful voice.

Cheryl also served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. She advocated on behalf of children who had experienced abuse or neglect. Cheryl ensured that the children were safe, had a permanent home, and had the opportunity to thrive.

Cheryl loved to travel and go on cruises. She enjoyed visiting family and friends in Chicago, Illinois. As a military wife, Cheryl traveled across the United States and Europe.

Cheryl departed this life on Friday, November 29, 2024.

Left to cherish her memories are her son, Leslie Thurman (Salinas), daughter Terisa Thurman (Sacramento), Sisters, Ida Conner (Chicago), Linda Knight (Sacramento), brother Fred Buggs (Sugar Land, Texas), Aunt Oliver Samuela (Chicago), niece Arcella Daniels(Georgia), God-Son Jerard Evans Jr, a host of honorary nieces, nephews, other family and friends, many of who she loved and cherished as family.