Cheryl K. Sayers

Cheryl K. Sayers, 76, passed away February 15, 2021 in Columbus, GA. Cheryl was a passionate defender of her truth, an advocate for mental health and an amazing mother.

Cheryl was a lifelong resident of Mansfield, who recently moved to Georgia after death of her husband, Eric “Rick” Sayers in order to be closer to her only son and his wife. She was the daughter of John and Bette J. (Wehinger) Them.

Cheryl was a graduate of Mansfield Senior High. She worked a number of bookkeeping jobs and attended some college courses at the branch campus.

She had a high emotional intelligence and was never much of a talker; her husband had that covered. She was also a quiet observer. She picked up and understood the world from a safe distance. Her observations lead her to know a truth that took years for others to accept. She never lost hope in that truth and always had faith, even in the darkest of times. It took decades, but one day adoption laws changed in the state; her truth finally had a name and a face.

She married and loved one man in her lifetime: Rick. He was over the moon in love with her. He tried to protect and care for her, especially towards the end of his life. They raised one son, Devon Maxwell. Cheryl put all she had into her son, a child that they didn’t think was possible.

Cheryl and Rick raised Devon in the same little brick house on Beechwood they spent all their married lives in. Much of her time was spent with her son on trips to the Gorman Nature Center, story time and numerous afterschool activities. She became his personal Uber driver, before that was even a thing, driving him to and from an internship that led him to a fulfilling career. Her son’s accomplishments gave her great pride. She was also happy when he got a license so she could take a break from driving, but she always stayed up to make sure he made it home okay.

Like many she loved the Princess of Wales. Cheryl first loved the fairytale wedding, but found a kindship with Diana in her struggles with motherhood and mental health.

Before being afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease, Cheryl was a prolific reader, and strong defender and lover of the public library system. While never vocally political, Cheryl had no problem raising a picket sign when the state government considered reducing funds for her beloved library. She also did not forget who tried to do her wrong when she went to the polling place down the street the following year.

Cheryl enjoyed walking, golf, and later in life watching sports on the television. One of her prized possession was a hole-in-one trophy from a local golf course.

As her Alzheimer’s progressed, she spent more and more time walking. It became unclear if she was walking to find something or trying to get away from something. So is the cruelty of Alzheimer’s. She was always in perpetual motion and the only way her caretakers could keep up with her was by a little “Low Jack” on her ankle.

Cheryl contracted Covid-19 in December during an outbreak in her assisted living facility. The disease took a toll on her physically and mentally. The walking stopped and the will faded.

She is survived by her son Devon Maxwell Sayers, daughter-in-law Laura Ann Sayers, half-sister Jeanne Them of Columbus and half-brothers Jim (Anita) Them of Ontario and Dan, along with a number of beloved nephews, nieces and sisters-in-law. She was preceded in death by her brother, Lonnie Them, and her husband, Rick Sayers.

Due to the ongoing concerns with the Covid-19 pandemic, the family will be observing private services with burial in Mansfield Memorial Park. The Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the Sayers family.

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