January 24, 1939 - September 21, 2025
Evelyn Laverne Cheatwood, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sept. 21,2025,at the age of 86 years, eight months, and 28 days. Born on Jan. 24, 1939, in Depew, she was the cherished daughter of William Dotson and Syble Marie Barnett.
On Sept. 29, 1961, Evelyn married the love of her life, Donald Gail Cheatwood.
Together, they built a beautiful life and raised four children: Kathryn Gail, Dana Marie, Donald Lee, and Shelley Elaine. In 1969, Evelyn and Donald moved to Tuskegee, where she devoted herself to nurturing her family and creating a loving home.
Evelyn’s passions were simple and sincere, she was an avid reader who also enjoyed gardening, sewing, solving crossword puzzles, cooking hearty meals, and spending treasured time with her children and grandchildren.
Her warmth, creativity, and quiet strength touched everyone who knew her.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, 11 months, and 22 days, Donald Cheatwood; her children and their spouses: Kathy Cheatwood Wright and husband Kevin, Dana Cheatwood Matlock and husband Ronnie, Donald “Bub” Cheatwood and wife Kim, and Shelley Cheatwood Bolin and husband Eric; siblings, Ralph Barnett and wife Trudi, Marilyn Hight, David Barnett and wife Ellen; 14 grandchildren: Abbie, Seth, Kyle, Gabrielle, Andrea, Rona, Kimberly, Bobby, J, Clint, Colton, Kaylee, Audrey, and Jacob; 31 great-grandchildren: Tyler, Logan, Rya, Ellie, Kay-Lynn, Skye, Dalli, Aspin, Lawrence, Kenny, Hallie, Holden, Hazi Lyn, Garrett, Gunner, Gracie, Lynnen, Kam, Davey, Raylynn, Kaylee, Kaleb, Shane, Kyrie, Rylan, Kaymond, Ky, Kyndal, Keyahna, Kylan, and Waylynn and two greatgreat- grandchildren, Barrett and Brylee.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Charlene Fairchild, and her brothers Darrell Barnett and Jimmie Barnett.
Evelyn’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her. Her life was a testament to love, resilience, and the quiet power of a woman devoted to God and her family.