On March 8, 2021, Cheryl Marie Allen, a Tribal Elder and resident of East Lyme, CT rested in the Lord after a brave fight against a brain tumor.
Cheryl Marie Allen was born on September 4, 1958 in Norwich, CT to John and Shirley Perry. Cheryl was the second of four children with a shy, quiet demeanor and infectious smile. As a teen, she attended Norwich Free Academy. She was also active in the Norwich Seventh Day Adventist church youth group, the Pathfinders, volunteered for collecting canned goods and helping to donate food baskets to needy families, volunteered at the Uncas on the Thames Hospital in Norwich, CT as a candy striper and pursued lessons in acoustic guitar for which she played for many years.
After graduating Norwich Free Academy, she attended and graduated from Oakwood University in Huntsville Alabama. There she blossomed in into vibrant and outgoing young woman and met the love of her life and husband of 41 years, Sylvester Theodore Allen.
After marrying, Cheryl and Sylvester moved to his home town of Detroit Michigan to start a family. Throughout the 1980’s Cheryl was able to build a career and start a family with Sylvester with the birth of their two son’s Sylvester (Teddy) Allen and Brandon Allen. Cheryl took time from her own pursuits to be a stay at home mom and provide emotional and loving support to her husband. She also found time to devote to supporting friends and contributing to her church family in Detroit, MI.
In 1993, Cheryl became an officially enrolled member of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. After her enrollment she endured a brief separation from her husband and sons to prepare the way for them to relocate to Ledyard, CT. During that time, she was able to set up a career, a home and a new chapter for herself, Sylvester and their children. During the following years, Cheryl reunited with family and old friends. She was enthusiastic about becoming a devoted part of her tribal family and community. Cheryl held positions working for Tribal Council, Tribal Chief of Staff’s Office and most recently, the Office of Public Relations. Cheryl was very proud of her tribal heritage and enjoyed participating in tribal events such as Pequot Days, Schemitzun and at the age of 55, became a Tribal Elder.
The biggest part of Cheryl’s life was love the Lord and the love for those around her. Her dedication to work, family, friends and others was an extension of the of that Spiritual love. Co-workers and friends could count on Cheryl to lend an open ear, a word of encouragement or a word of prayer. A member of the Norwich Seventh Day Adventist church, Cheryl organized women’s circles, small prayer groups, bible studies and delivering God’s word in her sermons. She was also involved in missionary work abroad and had the privilege to participate in a church building mission with her youngest son, Brandon Allen in the Dominican Republic. Cheryl also had a passion for Native American youth ministries and frequently attended the Native American church meeting hosted by the Oneida Nation Chairman, Ray Halbritter.
Cheryl was a person who loved every aspect of life. She was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, aunt grandmother and friend. She enjoyed traveling the world, playing video and board games, amusement parks, exercise and outdoor activities, bowling with her family, holiday gatherings and spending time with her grandchildren.
Cheryl Marie Allen was predeceased by her father, Tribal Elder John E. Perry Jr., and grandson Sylvester Allen III. She is survived by her husband Sylvester Allen, mother, Shirley Perry, brother, John Perry III, sisters Deborah Perry, Rebecca (Perry) Levy, sons Sylvester and Brandon Allen, grandchildren Shia and Saige Allen and Lucas Allen. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Cheryl’s memory will be greatly cherished and she will be greatly missed by those who had the privilege to have her in their lives.
On March 19, 2021 there will be a private service at the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Museum Gathering Space from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Immediately following, there will be open visiting hours and a celebration of life from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. (Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, 110 Pequot Trail, Ledyard, CT 06338)
If you are unable to attend the service or celebration of life or for those who may wish to attend virtually, here is the link to the YouTube live stream for Cheryl’s service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPChU-wUyRo.
To share a message of condolence or remembrance with her family, please click the link below.