Cheryl Vanica Johnson

It is with deep love and gratitude, we share the passing of Cheryl V. Johnson, born on February 4, 1953, in Richmond, Virginia. The second oldest of five children born to the late Henry Robert Craddock, Sr. and late Rosa Mae Simons Craddock, Cheryl lived a life centered on family and connection. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and cousin whose love was steady and deeply felt. After a medical battle, she passed away on March 12, 2026.

Cheryl was educated in the Richmond Public School System, graduating from Armstrong High School, J. Sargeant Reynolds College, and later earning her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her work in the field allowed her to support and uplift others in meaningful ways.

If you ever received a letter from Cheryl, count yourself loved. Writing to friends and family was one of her greatest joys, and her words were always intentional. She was the family’s 411 hotline—checking in, sharing updates, and making sure everyone felt cared for. She had a gift for choosing small, thoughtful presents that made others feel remembered. Cheryl delighted in a delicious Frappuccino and a warm slice of sweet potato pie, loved solving puzzles, and proudly cheered on her Washington Commanders through every season.

Cheryl’s zeal for Jehovah God was nurtured early by her mother, who shared Bible truths with her and her siblings. She later continued her spiritual growth by studying with the late Sister Francis Gilmore before dedicating her life to Jehovah through water baptism. As a publisher in the Southside Congregation, she found joy in sharing Jehovah’s promises with others. She faithfully attended meetings at the Kingdom Hall until COVID, after which she continued to participate regularly via Zoom.

Cheryl leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Lynicia Green, Tamika Sutton, and Felice Warren (Marlon); her grandchildren Bria Johnson, Brandon Johnson Sigh, Deshza Thornton, Bryant Nixon, Janaija Lowe (Jeff), Taira Johnson-Barnes, Nicholas Parham, and Kourtney Parham; her great granddaughter Blessyn Burno; and her siblings Gloria Flanagan (Alvin), Sandra Crocker, and Henry Robert Craddock Jr. (Irene). She is preceded in death by her sister, Beatrice Morgan. She will be deeply missed by her uncles, Floyd Craddock and William Charles Simons, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Cheryl held a deep hope in Jehovah God’s promises, especially the assurance at Isaiah 25:8: “He will swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces.” This hope strengthened her faith and brought her comfort throughout her life.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026,  at 11:00am at The Kingdom Hall, 5720 Swanson Rd., Richmond, VA 23225.

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