By Staff
Mr. Samson Soonell Cheatham, 85, died Saturday, March 27, 2010 in Atmore. He was a native and life long resident of Brewton. He received his education at Southern Normal High School and received his degree in science from Alabama State University. He was a member of the Shiloh United Methodist Church, where he helped to establish the NAACP in 1954. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Garrison Cheatham and Ada Russeau Cheatham.
He was retired from Mutual Savings Insurance Company and was the owner and operator of Cheatham Funeral Home for more than 40 years.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Minnie Forbes Cheatham of Brewton; three sons, Larry (Tonecia) McMillan of Oxon Hill , Md., Samson L. (Frankie) Cheatham and John C. Cheatham, both of Brewton; two daughters, Ada C. (Alex C., Sr.) Cunningham and Chlora C. (Donnie) Nunley, both of Brewton, a step-mother, Blanch B. Cheatham of Brewton, a sister, Mary Ada Willis Beck of Brewton, a brother, James Randolph Cheatham of Jersey City, N.J.; four grandchildren; five great-grandchlldren, and one great-great-grandchild; a long time friend, James Bennett of Alexander City, and a host of other friends and family.
Funeral services were held Friday, April 2, at 11 a.m. at Second St. Siloam Missionary Baptist Church, with Pastor Malcolm W. Franklin officiating. Burial followed at Baptist Cemetery with Baldwin Community Chapel of Bay Minette directing.