“To everything there is a season; a time to be born, and a time to die.
Ecclesiates 3:1
On Tuesday, June 15, 2021, God sent His Angels to get His child, William (“Dump, DC and Cherry”) Nathaniel Cherry, Sr. William was born July 28, 1938 to the late William Nathaniel Cherry and Mary Elizabeth Martin. He was one of three children; he was the youngest. He was preceded in death by sister, Hattie Deborah “Rabbit” Williams and his brother, Charles “June Cherry, Jr.
“Dump” was born and educated in Norfolk, Virginia. His career ended with, the Jewish Temple on Colonial Street until his health would no longer allowed him to cook at his very best. Here is where the word about his amazing culinary cooking was first recognized beyond Norfolk, Virginia. Which lead to him preparing private party meals in several areas including, Brooklyn, New York and the Washington, DC area. Secondly, the Rotunda on Saint Paul Boulevard here is where his excellent cooking skills were known all over most of Norfolk. He began his career at the Virginia Pilot Ledger Star, where he worked diligently in the Press Department, and became the President of the Union in 1978. His love of cooking began when he was very young when he was given his own smaller version of iron skillet. He learned to love cooking watching his grandmother and adopted father George Martin. His other passion was music, his particular favorite groups were Earth, Wind and Fire and the O’Jay’s but, his all time favorite artist was Bobby Womack. His philosophy was good music enhanced good food. Those of you who ever tasted his dishes, YOU KNOW!! The only thing he loved more than cooking and music was his family and friends. He always entertained, with food, music and family and/or friends. He lived a full and rich life.
He leaves to cherish his memories his faithful, devoted and caring wife, Ruth Cherry. His children; LaVersa Cherry of Norfolk, Eric Ward of Portsmouth, William Nathaniel Cherry, Jr. of Norfolk, Piccola (Cherry) Pierce of Suffolk, Montè Cherry of Norfolk, and Nicholas Cherry of Norfolk; six (6) grandchildren, eight (8) great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephew, cousins and loving relatives and friends.
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