Cheryl Blackwell Stockton

Cheryl Blackwell Stockton died peacefully on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Cheryl was born in Roanoke, VA on November 22, 1946 to Katherine "Kitty" (Holt) and O.W. Blackwell. Cheryl loved living in the Roanoke Valley. She leaves a legacy of humor, strength, acceptance, open-mindedness, ingenious problem-solving, delicious food, and unconditional love for people and pets.

Cheryl is survived by a great circle of family and friends. Loving mom to Coty Stockton (Maria) of Salem and Justin Stockton (Sarah) of Erie, Colorado. She shares her sons with high school sweetheart and former husband, Michael Stockton of Bent Mountain, VA. She was thrilled to be "Oma" to four grandkids: Luke and Emery in Salem and Aidan and Zachary in Colorado. An only child, Cheryl had a close knit group of cousins who were more like sisters: Jan Conoly of Southern Pines, NC, Sherran Ruff of Thaxton, VA, and Andrea Harker of Fuquay Varina, NC (who passed away in 2021). Cheryl also has a large extended family. She treasured hosting large Christmas breakfasts, celebrating milestones together, and continuing her mother's tradition of making hundreds of pieces of candy each holiday season.

Throughout her long career, Cheryl worked hard giving tremendous energy to her colleagues and customers. She worked for a local bank, first in sales, and then leading customer service teams. Many of her colleagues became dear friends who gathered for supper club.

Over her lifetime, Cheryl's family included lots of pets. From her childhood dog, Topper, to Bella and Reece who miss her dearly…all were so lucky to have her love, companionship, and fresh eggs for breakfast.

Cheryl was also a wonderful writer. She wrote a compilation of life stories, which she shared with her family. She also loved collecting and sharing inspiring quotes and poems. Her family enjoyed sharing music with her, reading, drawing together, and dancing.

Friends may visit with the family from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, October 23,2025, at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A Celebration of her Life is being planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Roanoke Valley ASPCA. Another great way to honor her legacy would be to make sure your voter registration is up-to-date, stay informed, and never miss a local, state, or national election. Stay engaged and speak up.