Cheryl James Obituary

Cheryl Ann James, age 67, of Pangburn, Arkansas, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 9, 2026. Cheryl was born on February 14, 1958, and lived a life marked by faith, sacrifice, and deep love for her family. She was known for giving the shirt off her back-or her last dime-if you were in need.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Paul Kell of Lafayette, Indiana, and Angie May Smith of Pangburn, Arkansas; and by her siblings Donnie Lee Kell and Debra Sue Sparks.

She is survived by her sister Charlotte Darlene (Roger) Upperman of Pangburn, Arkansas, with children Michael Craig Ellis, Sara Sherie Ellis and Steven J Upperman; and by her brother Paul Junior (Tammy) Kell, with their daughter Delacey Janae Kell. She also leaves behind many loving great-nieces and great-nephews through her late sister Debra Sue (Eddie) Sparks, including Angie Marie (BJ) Rigsby, Dennis Lynn English, Shannon Devon Whitener, Shannon Joyce aka "Sissy" Sparks and many wonderful great-nieces and nephews she loved. Cheryl is survived by her beloved sons, Charles Stephen Tucker of Pangburn, Arkansas; Robert Lee (Robin) Rouse of Pangburn, Arkansas; and James Matthew Rouse of Pangburn, Arkansas. She is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Charles Stephen Tucker Jr. aka "Little Man" (Ashley) Tucker, with great-granddaughter Scottie Rose Tucker, Jessie Paul Tucker, Krystian (Andrew) Mertsch, with great-grandchildren Annabelle Mertsch and Liam Mertsch, Cheyene Nicole (Mike) Davis with great granddaughter Micah Davis, McKenzie Elisabeth Thomas, Hunter Wayne Thomas

Cheryl was a devoted Christian woman who loved Jesus deeply and never hesitated to share her faith with anyone God placed in her path. She gave God all the glory for sustaining her family, especially as she worked tirelessly day and night caring for her

disabled son, James Matthew Rouse. Cheryl's life was a testimony of perseverance, unconditional love, and complete dependence on the Lord.

She faithfully attended West Pangburn Baptist Church in Pangburn, Arkansas, and Victory in Life Church in Bald Knob, Arkansas, where she was surrounded by many brothers and sisters in Christ whom she dearly loved - and who loved her in return.

She especially cherished encouraging young men in the faith through her devotions at Victory in Life, always pointing others to the hope found in God's Word. Cheryl will be remembered best for her unwavering love for her boys, her fierce dedication as a mother, and her steadfast faith through every season of life. While her family grieves at her passing, they rejoice knowing she is now healed, whole, and worshiping in the presence of her Savior.

As Scripture says:

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

- 2 Timothy 4:7

Funeral services will be held at Olmstead Funeral Home in Heber Springs, Arkansas, on February 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM.