Irma Arlene (Harris) Cheatham

Irma Arlene Cheatham was a longtime Earlsboro, Oklahoma resident. She was born June 20, 1951 in Shawnee, Oklahoma to Lucy Mae Harris and James E. Wagoner, Sr. Irma was the oldest child of seven siblings. She accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age at White’s Chapel, CME in Earlsboro, Oklahoma. She continued her faith with the Ware’s Chapel, CME in Earlsboro, Oklahoma. She was always sweet, smiling, loving, caring, and giving all through her entire life.

Irma’s education began in Earlsboro through graduating from high school in 1968. She went to college in Mississippi on a CME scholarship of biblical studies with the help of Pastor R.C. Laskey. She continued to be active in church as a Sunday school teacher, a missionary, and an usher president.

Irma’s love for helping people was evident all through her employment. She worked at Parkview Nursing Home, Uptodate Laundry and the Cinderella Hotel in Shawnee, Oklahoma. She later moved to Englewood, Colorado working as an activity director, CNA, and CMA for 23 years.

Irma moved back home to Earlsboro in 2001. She lived in the home with her sister Veronica and brother-in-law Clarence for many years where she was able to spoil her great nieces and nephews; Phenisha, Kerri, Martell, Eli, C.J and Charles, along with Veronica’s children and their spouses; Elisha Benard, Amber Benard-Davis and husband Ralph and Clarence Benard, Jr. and his wife Stacey. They were all tremendously influenced by the life of Aunt Irma. Her niece Ricia Brooking would go to Colorado to stay the summer with Irma.

Irma is survived by her brothers; Rodney Harris and wife Glenda, Anthony Wagoner, Steve Wagoner and Victor Wagoner and sisters; Darlene O’Bryant, Veronica Benard, Katrina Bradley, Yolanda Riley and Teresa Bowler. She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Lakesha Danielle Cheatham, her brothers Marvin and Maurice Harris, sister Charlene Berry and brother-in-law in Clarence Benard, Sr.

Irma had a great influence on the customers at Tapps Café in Earlsboro. The family lovingly caller her “The Greeter”. She adopted several nieces and nephews, Jimmy Johnson, Mike Gamble, Shad Rawls and Lacosta Rawls. Her special friend was her cousin Joe Brooks. She had a great relationship with her mother-in-law Clemmie Cheatham and sisters-in-law, Shelia Gray, Evetta Gray, Laquetta Harrington, Sequeeta Harrington and brothers-in-law Bruce and Pookie Cheatham. The in laws lit up her life by their generosity, prayers and love. Friends Sherry Hurd Robinson and Sylvia Ramey Akano were like sisters for many years, and they continued a life-long loving relationship with Irma.

The memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 13, 2021 at the Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Seminole, Oklahoma with James Grayson and R.C. Laskey officiating.

Honorary bearers will be Jimmy Johnson, Shad Rawls, Mike Gamble, Johnny Johnson, Dusty Johnson,  Charles Sweaney, Rickey O’Bryant, Kevin O’Bryant, Quintin Harris, Jeremy Harris, Ralph Davis, Clarence Benard, Jr. and Maurice Harris, Jr. Flower girls will be Timia Harris, Phenisha Washburn Kerri Benard, Lacosta Rawls, Charlotte Berry, Dana Johnson, Mauricia Harris and Arion Harris. Ushers will be Amos Chapel and Israel Chapel.

Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma.