Cheryl Elizabeth Gano Unwin's Obituary
Cheryl Elizabeth Gano Unwin “Cheri,” 75, of St. Augustine, Fla., passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026 after a long battle with kidney disease. Born in Gainesville, Fla, on January 5, 1951 to her late parents Myrle M. and Estelle S. Gano, she was the first of two daughters and grew up on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine, Fla.
Following graduation from St. Augustine High School, Cheri studied music at Norman College in Norman Park, Ga. Music was always a huge part of Cheri’s life. As a child and teen, she was very active in the youth choir at Ancient City Baptist in St. Augustine. In addition to singing, she learned to play many instruments. Cheri particularly loved playing piano, guitar and trumpet, and she played trumpet in her high school marching band. She was active in choral groups and trained as a mezzo soprano. She was very proud to have sung with elite musicians and in concert halls.
Cheri later attended Nova University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and earned her teaching certificate with a specialization in early childhood education. Her career as a teacher spanned three decades primarily in Palm Beach County; she particularly loved teaching second grade. Music played a big part in her classroom as well. Cheri kept an electric keyboard in the corner that was used throughout the day: it may be a series of notes that would signal the change in activity or a just brief stanza for the children to get their wiggles out.
Cheri was creative in numerous ways beyond music. She painted and sketched, and also enjoyed crafts and floral arranging. After retiring from teaching, she enjoyed working in a florist shop. Surrounded by beautiful flowers and colors, making arrangements brought her delight.
Her childhood near the ocean in St. Augustine created Cheri’s love for the beach, and her husband Jim loved surfing and ocean creatures. Together, they introduced many water activities and oceanic science lessons to their children. The two often had their Saturday morning devotion together watching the sun rise from Loggerhead Park in Jupiter, Fla. In 2012, she returned to St. Augustine where she enjoyed walking her childhood beach and reconnecting with hometown friends.
Cheri had gorgeous blue eyes that would sparkle when she had an idea or was planning a little mischief. She had a broad smile, enjoyed making personal connections with others, and loved to talk. Her favorite topic was her children and grandchildren. Cheri would proudly gush about any one of them and had a huge display of photos on the wall near her bed. In her last few years, every nurse and care-giver knew who each person was and at least one story about them.
Cheri will be remembered for being out-going, making friends quickly and being a bubbly personality to many people.
She was preceded in death by her husband James “Jim” M. Unwin, Jr. (d. 2021). Survivors include her children: Heather (Ray) Bongers (daughter with David G. Wooten), James R. Unwin, Jonathan “Jon” D. (Krissy) Unwin; grandchildren: Ingrid Bongers, Jackson Unwin, and Samuel Unwin; and her sister Sally (David) Gano Jones. She is also survived by former husband David G. Wooten.
A graveside funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, at Tompkins Cemetery, Lochloosa, Fla.
For those who wish to make a gift in Cheri’s memory, the family asks that you consider a donation to the National Kidney Foundation.
Heritage funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.
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