Cheryl Raye Brammer

Cheryl Raye Brammer (79), a life-long resident of Alexandria, MO, passed away on June 17, 2023, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL after a short illness.

Cheryl was born May 18, 1944, to Norman S. Brammer, Sr. and Loretta Elaine (White) Brammer at the former Graham Hospital in Keokuk, IA. Her father was unable to see his newborn daughter until she was 18 months old as he was serving in the European theatre during WWII.

Cheryl attended Kahoka High School and was salutatorian of the 1962 graduating class. She furthered her education at Keokuk (Iowa) Community College and Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in Kirksville, MO graduating with honors and a BS in Education in 1966. She later completed a Masters in English Education in 1971 at Northeast Missouri State College in Kirksville.

Teaching and music were two of Cheryl’s many gifts. Cheryl retired after teaching for 35 years at Central Lee High School in rural Lee County, IA. She taught primarily junior and senior year English that included writing, American literature, and Greek and Roman mythology. She also served as the faculty director of junior class plays¸ wrestling cheerleading sponsor, co-sponsor of the Quiz Bowl team, the voice of many Central Lee track meets and more. Known as Miss B to many of her students, she was a well-respected teacher and students always commented on her infectious sense of humor. Cheryl also previously taught Sunday School classes for high school aged youth and coordinated many Hanging of the Greens and Advent season traditions.

Cheryl began playing piano for her church in fifth grade and continued to do so through the years, including at her current church, the Southern Baptist Fellowship in Wayland, MO, until her death. She directed choir and the annual Christmas Cantata for a previous church family. Cheryl played for many weddings, funerals, church events and more throughout her life. An accomplished singer, Cheryl sang three-part harmony with her sister Debbie and cousin Janice, and solos for many occasions in the community, church and more.

Most of all, Cheryl was the bedrock of her immediate and extended family. She cherished her parents, siblings, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and any time spent with family was near and dear to Cheryl. Her family was graced by her loving heart, compassionate soul, and humble spirit.

Cheryl is preceded in death by her parents, maternal grandparents Oma Ray and Evalenah Marie (Mayer) White, paternal grandparents John R. and Ruth Lea (Lonis) Brammer and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Cheryl is survived by her three siblings: sister Debbie (Henry) Dienst of rural Kahoka, MO; brother N. Spencer (Janice) Brammer of Camdenton, MO; and sister Brenda (Neil) Derrick of Hannibal, MO. Her six nephews: Russ (Julie) Dienst of Macomb, IL; Matt (Tassie) Dienst of O’Fallon, MO; Seth (Kate) Brammer of Quincy, IL; Clay (Kara) Dienst of rural Kahoka, MO; Justin (Shelbi) Brammer of Camdenton, MO; and Josh Arnold of Columbia, MO. Cheryl is also survived by her great nieces and nephews: Darian Dienst, Noah Dienst, Alyssa Maples, Owen Maples, Adilai Brammer, Jace Brammer, Henry Lucas Dienst, and Raylee Dienst. Cheryl is also survived by her aunt, Doris White of Memphis, MO and numerous cousins and their families.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday June 23, 2023, with family meeting friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Wilson & Triplett Funeral Home in Kahoka, MO. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. Saturday June 24, 2023. Brother Dan Steinbeck will officiate. Interment in Frazee Cemetery following the funeral service. Memorial gifts may be given to the Southern Baptist Fellowship Church or Fundraising Friends (an organization assisting Clark County, MO residents). You are invited to share your memories of Cheryl and leave a condolence at www.wilsontriplett.com