Cheryl Lynise Harris departed for her heavenly home on June 17, 2020 surrounded by her loving family.  Cheryl was born in Hampton, VA on August 21, 1955 to the late Thelma Elaine (Davis) Eason and Charles Lendburgh Eason.  She was the second of three children.

Cheryl was a proud 1973 graduate of Hampton High School. "You Can't Crush a Crab." She always enjoyed reconnecting with her high school classmates. Cheryl received a Bachelor of Science in Management and Business from National Louis University and later a Master of Business Administration from Strayer University.

While living in Germany, she met the love of her life, Michael Harris.  They joined in marriage on December 30, 1993.  After being stationed on several military bases in the U.S., they settled in Dumfries, Virginia. They created a beautiful life together with their children and grandchildren.

In 2017, Cheryl retired from the government with thirty-four and a half years of federal service, including twenty-nine years in the acquisition field. She started as a Contract Specialist Intern within the Department of Army, in Mannheim Germany.  From there, she became the Assistant Chief of the Purchasing Division in Fort Carson, Colorado. She later accepted a position as the Chief of Support/Supply Division in El Paso Texas. From 1995 - 2005, Cheryl worked for the Defense, Real Estate and Facilities Directorate as a Contracting Officer/Team Lead for the Supply and Services Team at the Pentagon. In 2005, Cheryl left DOD for the General Services Administration (GSA). While at GSA, Cheryl started as the Director of the Medium and Heavy Division, Office of Acquisition Operations, Automotive Acquisition Support Division within FAS's Travel, Motor Vehicle, and Card Services organization. She concluded her federal service at GSA in Washington D.C. as the Deputy Director of IT Schedule 70 Program, Office of Information Technology Category. She was a Level III Certified Contracting Officer at the time of retirement. Cheryl was known throughout her career as a dynamic leader that mentored and inspired her employees and colleagues, professionally and personally.

Cheryl loved her family and took advantage of every opportunity to get together.  It was not uncommon for her to tell you about all their accomplishments upon meeting her for the first time.  No one was a stranger to her.  Her grandson Gabrian often spent the night and dominated the house.  He could never do any wrong in Grandma's house.  She was a passionate Dallas Cowboys fan and loved to talk trash with their rivals during football season.  Her bingo family always knew when she was in the building, as she was a frequent winner.  Cheryl had a lively presence and left an imprint on everyone she met.  Her mesmerizing eyes and dazzling smile (with dimples) were all secondary to her vivacious personality and quick wit.

Cheryl leaves to cherish her memories her devoted husband, Michael Harris Sr.; her beloved children, Ernesto Lee (Kim), Cedric Lee, Candace Lyons (Jay), Michael Harris Jr. (Donna), Michael Montay Harris III (Keiera), Thomas Colley, and Demetrius Hardy (Melinda); one brother, Michael Eason (Kim); one sister, Joi Nesmith (Ricky); her aunt, Olethia Barbour; uncles,  Norman Davis and George Cameron; a special nephew Ja'Michael Hunter; twenty-five grandkids, seven great-grandkids; and a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends that she loved dearly.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private celebration of her life will be held on Friday, June 26, 2020.  Friends will be able to view the service at 11:00 a.m. by logging on to https://www.facebook.com/smzbt/.   A public viewing will be held from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2020 at O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.