Cheryl Wilson Denmark

Cheryl Wilson Denmark, 74, died Saturday, October 25, 2025 surrounded by family after a brief illness. Cheryl was born August 31, 1951, in Quitman, Georgia to Robert Gerald (“RG”/”Bobby”) Wilson and Hazel Simpson Wilson.

Cheryl was the oldest child and had four younger brothers. Cheryl grew up loving horses and according to her she had an “idyllic” childhood. She attended Brooks County Schools and was a member of Quitman First Baptist Church in her youth.

Cheryl graduated from Brooks County High School in 1969 along with her high school sweetheart Sherwood Denmark. Cheryl and Sherwood spent a brief stint at Valdosta State College and ultimately made their way to Athens, Georgia and the University of Georgia where Cheryl graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Interior Design.

Cheryl and Sherwood loved Athens so much that they stayed for the next 40 years. They married in 1976 and had their first child Wren in 1978. Shortly after, they bought their beloved farmhouse in Bogart on 5 acres that they adored. Their second child, Asher was born in 1983.

Cheryl founded a wallpaper hanging company while in college and Sherwood took the reins so that Cheryl could become a full time mother, a role she loved. Many, many days were spent swimming at the Bogart Community Pool, going to museums, community theatre, concerts (which she had a knack for getting to the front row of) and just generally trying to find adventure.

She made many epic Halloween costumes including a lavender corduroy unicorn, a fully muscled He-Man, a rabbit in a top hat and a gorgeous Snow White dress sewn to perfection. Though they didn’t get many trick or treaters at their dead end/top of the hill lot, local people knew to come for a homemade candied apple.

Cheryl loved the position of classroom Mom and took the planning and execution of classroom parties to another level. Nights of dying hundreds of Easter eggs for a hunt or valentine cupcakes dyed so red that children wouldn’t eat them. She refused to let other parents bring paper products for fear they wouldn’t be “on theme”.

Cheryl and her friend Jolene planned and hosted the Oconee County Elementary School Talent Show to great success for many years Cheryl loved being in the schools so much she went back to UGA to become an art teacher. She spent the rest of her working years in public schools throughout the state in various positions.

By far, becoming a “Gram” was Cheryl’s ultimate joy. Finding adventures for Owen, Claire and Harris Orsini and later Harlan and Jackson Denmark brought no greater joy. She was the perfect person to rock a fussy baby to sleep or to be there for when you needed extra support when a child was sick.

Those who knew and loved Cheryl know that she was not one to hold back her opinion or tell you “how you should do” something. However, she had a heart of gold and would quickly drop everything to help anyone who needed it and she would always be your fiercest advocate. Her greatest show of love was caring for Sherwood during his long battle with dementia. She did it with unbelievable grace.

Cheryl’s love language was to take you out for a meal, not to be confused with cooking you a meal! Had a bad day? How about scattered, covered and smothered at Waffle House while we load the jukebox? Made a good grade? How about a Coke and a grilled cheese at the Add Drug soda fountain? The best therapy and conversations were at these outings. Until her last day it was her favorite way to socialize.

Cheryl’s most passionate job since moving back to Quitman in 2019 has been to foster and rescue many cats and kittens. Since Sherwood’s death her cats have given her immense comfort, purpose and happiness. Until the day she died she was going everyday to feed feral cats.

Cheryl is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Sherwood, her brothers Gary and Dennis Wilson and her nephew Steven Seibert.

She leaves behind her children Wren Orsini (Donald) of Savannah, Asher Denmark (Lauren) of Watkinsville. Her beloved grandchildren Owen Orsini (23), Claire Orsini (19), Harris Orsini (15), Harlan Denmark (10) and Jackson Denmark (8). Her youngest brothers Terry Wilson (Marsy), Kevin Wilson (Shannon), sister in laws Donna Wilson and Starkey Witzeling (Adi) along with many, many nieces and nephews (great and otherwise).

Wren and Asher want to thank SGMC ED and PCU for their amazing care of Cheryl and all of her family during her sudden and brief illness. They express their unending love and appreciation for her brothers Terry and Kevin and their families for being their eyes and ears when they lived so far away. Also, to her intrepid housekeeper Cherry Ann who constantly cleaned up behind her and who should have quit long ago. And finally, to the cooks and wait staff at many local restaurants, specifically Coyoacan and Wiregrass in Quitman who would see her coming and have her “tea with an extra cup of ice and extra lemons” ready for her.

A memorial service will be held at Quitman First Baptist Church on Saturday, November 22. Visitation will be at 3pm, service at 4pm and all are welcome to a meal at the fellowship hall immediately after the service. Interment will be private in Dixie.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Hearts to Home Humane Society several ways under their “donate” tab at hthhs.org or mail a donation to 1111 Exum Street, Nashville, GA 31639. You can also donate to Donate Life Georgia at www.donatelifegeorgia.org or mail a donation to Donate Life Georgia c/o Georgia Eye Bank Inc, 5605 Glenridge Drive NE Suite 250, Atlanta, GA 30342. Cheryl’s grandson Harris, brother Terry and Cousin Jeff have all had their life saved by organ donation.

McLane Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted to serve the Denmark family.