WAVERLY—Cheryl W. Harris Gay, 39, of the 400 block of Jasper Lane, died July 30, 2007, at Johnston Willis Hospital in Richmond.

Mrs. Gay was born in Suffolk. She accepted Christ at an early age and attended First Baptist Church, Wakefield, regularly with her grandmother, the late Susie Urquhart.

She was called into the ministry at Higher Way Full Gospel Baptist Church.

God used First Lady Cheryl to touch the lives of many as she went about preaching and teaching the word of God. She was a great inspiration to everyone.

First Lady Cheryl exemplified great strength and courage and was loved by many.

Survivors include her husband, Bishop Darren L. Gay Sr.; two sons, Darren Jr. and Da’Shaun Gay; her parents, James E. Harris Sr. and Linda U. Harris, both of Wakefield; two brothers, James E. Harris Jr. (Antionette) of Suffolk and Nathan Woodard (Sherrie) of Virginia Beach; one sister, Sherrie Purdie of Williamsburg; six uncles, five aunts, four nephews, six nieces, and a host of other relatives, godchildren and friends.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. today at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 2223 South Crater Road, Petersburg, with Pastor Jeffrey L. Reaves officiating. Bishop Haywood E. James Sr. will eulogize.

The interment will follow at Urquhart Cemetery in Wakefield. The family will assemble 10 a.m. the day of service at 421 Jasper Lane, Waverly.

Professional services are being provided to the Gay Family by the staff of William N. Bland & Son Funeral Home, 137 Harrison St., Petersburg.