Missionary Cheryl Cassandra Quarells

Cheryl Cassandra Jefferson was born April 19th, 1949 at St. Louis Maternity Hospital (now part of Barnes Jewish Hospital), daughter of Tommie Jefferson and Mary Core.

Cheryl was raised by and lived with Anna Mae Davis, her third cousin, whom she lovingly referred to as “Godmama”, for several years of her childhood. Godmama instilled in her a work ethic, kindness, and played a prominent motherly role for Cheryl until she passed away in the late 1980s. Later in life, Cheryl was able to return the love for her Godmama, by caring for her during her last years of life and her battle with cancer. During her childhood, Cheryl moved back with her mother, Mary Core, around the age of 12 and lived with her until she got married. Over the years, Cheryl and her mother grew closer, with frequent phone conversations that developed their relationship. Cheryl attended and graduated from Beaumont High School in 1968. After graduation, she worked at McDonald Douglas in a high security sector, as a private secretary for a Vice President. She was one of only a few other African-American women throughout the company and felt honored to have such a position.

Cheryl met Don Quarells in 1964, while they were both in high school, at the corner of Goodfellow and Easton in the City of St. Louis. Don’s father owned and operated a “food truck” which often sat at this corner. Don and his older brother were working on the truck at the time. His brother attempted to speak to Cheryl first but shortly after that conversation began, she turned toward Don and said, “I want to meet him.” And the rest was history. Cheryl and Don married at the age of 19 and 20 at Williams Temple Church Of God In Christ and soon thereafter, Don was drafted to the Army. He was first stationed in Arizona, so Cheryl left McDonald Douglas to join him. However, they got news of expecting their first child in 1969, so Cheryl returned to St. Louis for family support while Don Sr. was stationed in Korea. They had their first child Don Jr. in 1970. Dwaine Quarells was born in 1971 after Don Sr. returned home from Korea. Fraternal twins, Cassandra and Cornelius were born in 1973.

Don and Cheryl purchased their first and only home in Olivette, MO in 1976. This home became the center of her family life. In this home they welcomed Christopher, who was born in 1981. Cheryl was very busy as a wife and mother of 5 children. A couple of years later the family welcomed Christina in 1987 and Catrina in 1990. Along with rearing and caring for her own children, she helped several working mothers from her family and friends with caretaking of their children. In her 40s, Cheryl returned to work and worked part-time at Sears Inc., and continued there for about 15 years. In her 50s, she worked as a manager in the Parkway School District for about 5 years and in Home Healthcare with Emmaus Homes for about 6 years. She happily retired from working at 60.

In her spare time, Cheryl enjoyed taking walks. She also loved to watch old “classical” movies, shop, and dress up for special events. Most of all, she enjoyed talking to her loved ones and being around her family and spending time with the Lord. One hobby she held was collecting small figurines from around the world and collecting coins. A significant moment in her adult life occurred in her early 40s when she was connected to her father’s side of the family. Although she never met her father, Cheryl found out she had younger siblings and was able to meet them! Her twin brothers, Ronald Jefferson and Donald Snell, and a sister, Sheila Johnson, all shared a biological father. She had always yearned to know her father’s side and it brought immense joy for her to meet and know that missing piece of her life.

Christ In Her Life

Cheryl Quarells came to Christ at the age of 16, as a member of House of Prayer (later Greater House of Prayer) Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Pastor James Grayson, Sr., and Lady Edna Grayson. She faithfully attended and served at this church, participating in the choir, attending Sunday School and YPWW, and working on the hospitality committee. She also was guided by and developed a very close relationship with her mother-in-law and father-in-law. She looked up to them both for spiritual and practical guidance and care.

She continued her service in ministry at Friendly Outreach Mission Church under the leadership of Pastor Fred Andrews and Lady Juanita Andrews. She was ordained as a Missionary in the Church of God in Christ in 2017. She taught Sunday School, faithfully served on the intercessory prayer team, and often spoke the Word of God during Sunday and special services. She was a faithful member and was always willing to serve wherever she could.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband of 53 years, Don Quarells, Sr.; her 7 children, Don Jr., Dwaine, Cassandra (Delbert), Cornelius, Christopher, Christina (Bartholomew Jr.), and Catrina; her nine grandchildren, Christopher, Amber, Don III, Dijon, Selona, Donovan, Kaliyah, Charity, and Micah; her seven great-grandchildren, Adonis, Vincent, Saniyah, Aniya, Anthony, Amaris, and Amari; her loving mother, Mary Conway; her siblings, Shelley, Fred, Marion, Yvonnjamaria, Pamela, Laura, Lisa, Donald, Ronald, and Sheila; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, Friendly Outreach Mission Church members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father Tommie Jefferson, her youngest brother Emmett Watson, God-mother Anna Mae Davis, mother-in-law Lula Mae Quarells, father-in-law David Quarells Sr.

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