Cheryl Andrews Nagel

Cheryl Diane Andrews Nagel, age 63, went to heaven 7/31/11 at home in Alturas from cancer. She was born on Oct. 2, 1947 in St. Petersburg, FL, and had lived in Florida, South Carolina, and Texas. Cheryl worked for the Muscular Dystrophy Association coordinating summer camp events and local Jerry Lewis Telethons, Easter Seals Society, PRIDE of Polk County and Tri-County Human Services where she served in various leadership roles, including executive director. In 1993 Cheryl and her husband, Harold launched Southern Employees Assistance Program, serving the public and private sector throughout the United States. Cheryl’s selfless sacrifice touched and changed many lives. Cheryl is characterized by her love for people, especially the downcast and hurting, and her love for animals. Her motto has always been to cook enough to feed an extra mouth. Cheryl is known for not turning away a stray and having unparalleled compassion for the outcast, rejects and “runts.” Since childhood, Cheryl demonstrated a gifted ability with horses and has been an avid horsewoman. Cheryl participated in professional equestrian sports in the Western Pleasure and Halter disciplines, as well as Cutting and Reigning. Cheryl is survived by her husband Harold Nagel; her sons, Tom Andrews (Kris) of Winter Haven, Bryson Nagel (Brandy) of Alturas; daughters, Brooke Veal (Jason) and Brittany Longbottom (Darren), both of Lakeland; her brother, Dr. Donald Stokes (Mary Paul) of Louisville, KY. Cheryl has 12 grandchildren. Cheryl was surrounded by family when she stepped into eternity with the Lord Jesus Christ. Services are being held at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home in Bartow on Wed. August 3, 2011 at 10:00 am. A celebration of life is being held on Thursday, August 4, 2011 at Mary Holland Park in Bartow beginning at 5:00 pm. All are welcomed.