Frances Cherryl "Cherry" Wade

Frances Cherryl Wade, lovingly known as Cherry, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on May 25, 2025, just two days shy of her 72nd birthday. A lifelong resident of Northwest Florida, Cherry was born on May 27, 1953 to H.C. “Sonny” and Frances Kimmons, grew up in Cantonment and spent her later years in Pace. A proud graduate of Tate High School (Class of 1971) and Pensacola Junior College, Cherry was a gifted artist with a particular talent for illustration. She began her early adult life as a model and later found her calling in management roles across retail and office settings. Her natural organizational skills and vibrant personality made her a valued and memorable part of every team she joined. Cherry was a devoted Christian and a woman who lived with open arms and an open heart. She was immensely proud of her children and found her greatest joy in her role as “Grammie.” Whether she was cheering from the stands at a ballgame, clapping in the audience at a performance, or hosting a themed holiday party complete with decorations, games, and laughter, Cherry was always fully present and deeply involved in the lives of those she loved. Later in life, Cherry reconnected with Bo Wade, who had once been her parents’ paperboy. Their reunion blossomed into a joyful second chapter of love. They married on January 1, 2021, and, although their time together was far too brief, they shared a life full of laughter, baseball (especially cheering on the Atlanta Braves), thrift store treasure hunts, and cherished moments with their grandchildren. Cherry was fiery, funny, and full of life. She once described herself as “sunshine with a little bit of hurricane”—a fitting summary for a woman whose presence filled every room and whose feisty humor left a lasting impression. She loved the Pensacola area with her whole heart, from the white sands of the Gulf to the roar of the Blue Angels overhead, and everything in between. Pensacola wasn’t just where she lived—it was part of her identity. In her younger years, she relished summers at the beach, time in the sunshine, and always took pride in the area’s rich traditions and small-town warmth. Whether it was exploring local antique shops, enjoying fresh seafood, or simply sitting outside with the sounds of Florida nature around her, Cherry found beauty in the everyday magic of Northwest Florida. She was a true “Florida girl.” Her absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but her memory will continue to inspire those she leaves behind. Her husband, children, and grandchildren will carry her legacy forward, living their lives with joy, strength, and a little sparkle—just like she would’ve wanted. Cherry was preceded in death by her father, H.C. “Sonny” Kimmons and her mother Sara Frances (Heinz) Kimmons; her cherished cousin Alice Selg Ewig; and her stepson Christopher Sherouse. She is survived by her devoted husband, Sheldon Bo Wade; her daughter Nikki (Kent) Smith; her son Wes (Amber) Sherouse; her beloved grandchildren Mia, Abigail, Noah, Cara, and Ainsley; her brother Dusty Kimmons; and her cousin Gina O’Kennon.

Tributes

Frances Cherryl "Cherry" Wade

May 27, 1953 - May 25, 2025