Cheri Lynn Smith, age 63, formerly of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away Monday, January 17, 2022.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 20, 2022 at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield, Louisiana with the Rev Stacy Morgan officiating. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery on Highway 84.

Friends may visit at the funeral home from 5:00 - 7:00 PM, Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield.

Cheri was born in Winnfield to Benny and Beth Smith on August 15th, 1958. She was a graduate of Winnfield High School in 1975 and received her BS and MS from Northwestern Louisiana University with a double major in office administration and business education. Upon graduation, Cheri began her career teaching at Grant High School and later the Louisiana Vocational Technical School. While teaching at Grant a second term, she was married to Danny Atwood in 1983 at First Baptist Church in Winnfield, Louisiana. In 1986, Cheri was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis shortly after giving birth to her only son Derek. Through 35 years of fighting the illness, she never once let it be a hindrance to her being holistically active and involved as a mother while also working as an office administrator at local churches in Pineville. While spectating countless sports (and practices) in summer heat, grade school carpool karaoke, a myriad of "backyard engineering discoveries" originated by her son (with help from his cousins and best friends); Cheri unwaveringly persevered the ailments to show her love and care as a mother and friend. She spent her remaining years in Winnfield residing at Autumn Leaves where she enjoyed reconnecting with friends from her past and spending quality time with her family.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents Esley and Leda Smith, Marvin and Merle Emmons, and her Uncle Perry Smith.

She is survived by her son Derek Atwood and her parents Benny and Beth Smith, and one Aunt, Nell Jackson of Sikes, La.

Paul bearers will be Brent Atwood, Shane Atwood, Jared Atwood, Evan Stewart, Russell Mattox, and Danny Swanson.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Friends may express messages of condolence online by visiting www.southernfuneralhome.com