Margaret Cherokee (Stone) Combs

In Loving Memory of Margaret Cherokee “Cherry” Stone Combs
April 22, 1954 – July 3, 2024

 Margaret Cherokee “Cherry” Stone Combs, age 70, of Rome, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Born on April 22, 1954, to Carolyn Faye Rogers Stone and the late Grady Lee Stone, Jr., Cherry brought light and joy to everyone who knew her.

Cherry is survived by her mother, Carolyn Faye Rogers Stone; her son, Jason Michael Combs; her precious grandchildren, Michael “Mikey” Ayden Combs and Eliza Mae Combs; and her brothers, David Rogers Stone (Jo Ellen) and Grady Lee Stone, III (Connie). She is predeceased by her husband, Norman Michael “Mike” Combs; her daughter, Shilo Ann Combs; and her father, Grady Lee Stone, Jr.

A proud alumna of Nathan Bedford Forrest High School, Cherry graduated in 1972. Shortly thereafter, on June 10, 1972, she married the love of her life, Norman Michael Combs. After Mike joined the United States Navy, they welcomed their first child, Shilo, in 1974, and their second child, Jason, in 1978.

Cherry was a lifelong learner and a dedicated educator. She began her undergraduate studies at Georgia Highlands College before transferring to Berry College, where she earned her Bachelor of Education degree in 1987. She furthered her education with a Master of Education degree from Jacksonville State University and an Education Specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University. Her passion for education and her love for learning made her an inspiring teacher to many young minds. Cherry taught at Main Elementary and West Central Elementary, touching countless lives over her 31-year career before retiring in 2018. She loved her students dearly and worked tirelessly for them.

Despite the profound loss of her husband in 2016 and her daughter Shilo in 2019, Cherry showed incredible strength and resilience. She cherished every moment with her family and embraced life with joy and gratitude.

Cherry was a devoted fan of Jimmy Buffett and was a proud “Parrot Head.” The beach was her sanctuary, where she loved collecting shells and basking in the sun. She had a zest for life that was infectious and thought nothing of spontaneous road trips, even driving to Birmingham, Alabama, just to have dinner. Cherry lived every minute fully, often driving with music playing, savoring every moment.

The family invites all who loved Cherry to join them in celebrating her remarkable life of love and joy on Monday, July 8, 2024, at the Good Shepherd Funeral Home chapel. Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM.

Jason Combs, Mikey Combs, Lee Stone, Jacob Stone, David Stone, Andrew Jett, Tony Madore, Ryan Rodwell, Raphael Sartorato, Randy Stone, and Tim Stone will serve as pallbearers, honoring Cherry as they escort her to her final resting place.

Parnick Jennings Good Shepherd Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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