Our beloved “Rah-Rah,” Cheryl Denise Clinton, was born on October 23, 1964, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to the late Matriarch Dorothy Clinton and the late William Richard Kelly, Sr.

A lifelong member of the historic Winston-Salem community, Cheryl was deeply rooted in the city she proudly called home. She graduated from East Forsyth Senior High School in 1983 and continued her education at Forsyth Technical Community College and Winston-Salem State University. Throughout her life, Cheryl embodied resilience, compassion, and an unwavering love for her family and community.

Cheryl had a vibrant personality and an infectious spirit that brought joy wherever she went. She found great happiness in preparing meals, gathering with family and friends, and creating lasting memories with those she loved. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and fellowship. A devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Cheryl’s loyalty to her team was legendary among family and friends, and she never missed an opportunity to proudly support “America’s Team.”

Cheryl was preceded in death by her mother, Matriarch Dorothy Clinton; her father, William Richard Kelly, Sr.; her grandparents, Ervin Clinton, Sr., Dora Truesdale Clinton, and Lenora Eldridge; her uncles, Patriarch Ervin Clinton, Jr. and Andrew Clinton; and her aunt, Margaret Singleton.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted daughter, Dr. Brittney Clinton of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; her sons, Brandon Woods of New York, New York, Dezmon Woods of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Elmo Burguess III of Washington, D.C.; her beloved grandsons, Jarod Simmons and Jarell Simmons; her brothers, Reginald Clinton of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Tim (Donna) Kelly, and Dwight (Rita) McConnell; her sisters, Pastor Eileen Kelly and Alicia Ricks; her aunts, Edna (Richard) Smith of Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Linda (Ronald) Foster of Jacksonville, Florida; her cousins, Andre Clinton, Juan Smith, Rick Smith, Fernandez Clinton, Sharon Clinton Lewis, Debrah Clinton Taylor, Andrea Clinton Wooten, Alicia Clinton, and Joyce Hopkins; her devoted best friend and caregiver, Mia Eldridge Bryan; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever touched by her love and presence.

Cheryl’s legacy is one of unwavering love, steadfast strength, enduring faith, and deep devotion to her family. Her life serves as a lasting reminder that the greatest measure of a person is found in the love they shared, the lives they uplifted, and the memories they leave behind.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30pm Friday, July 24, 2026 at Mt. Calvary Holy Church. Entombment will follow in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 12:30pm on Friday at the Church.