03/12/2026
This afternoon, we paid tribute to the life of Cheryl Loft, a longtime client of Buckeye Community Services in Jackson. Cheryl had mental and physical disabilities throughout her life and was nonverbal. A Buckeye Community staff member composed and shared a heartfelt poem at the service today. Please take a moment to read it, as it beautifully illustrates the unique value of every life. See below.
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Hi Micheal wanted to send this to you ❤️
Today we gather with hearts that are soft,
To remember our dear and sweet Cheryl Loft.She didn’t need words for us to understand, Her feelings were clear.
A smile, a glance, or a moment of pause,
Spoke louder than language, without any cause. She showed us that patience can quietly grow, in the smallest of moments we often don’t know.
At times there were blocks stacked high in a row, Or envelopes held like a small treasure to show. Simple things brought her comfort and light, Little joys that made her world bright.
And when something wasn’t quite right for her day, Oh, Cheryl made sure we all knew right away. No words were spoken, yet clear as could be, She showed us the power of simply being “she.”
She taught us that love doesn’t have to be said, It lives in the kindness and care that we spread. In patience, in presence, in time that we give, She showed us a beautiful way we should live.
Because family is more than the ones we are born,It’s the people beside us through calm and through storm. The ones who grow close through the moments we share, Through laughter, through learning, through love and through care.
Cheryl reminded us gently each day,
That words are not always the only true way.
Some hearts speak louder in silence and grace, And leave us forever a warm, special place.
So today as we say our goodbyes with love so soft, We remember the light of sweet Cheryl Loft. No words were needed for the love she would bring,And that is the most beautiful lesson of all she could sing.
Laura Crego
