CHERYL JACKSON-NEWSOM

Cheryl Nanette Jackon-Newsom was a Beautiful, Beloved Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Friend and Coach. Whom, at the age of 61, peacefully passed away at Eskenazi Hospital in the early morning hours of February 7, 2026, after Courageously battling cancer with her husband by her side.

Cheryl was born on April 25, 1964, a native of Indianapolis, Indiana. She was the daughter of Mary Elizabeth Jackson and the late Willis James Jackson Jr., the fourth of six siblings.

She was educated in the Indianapolis Public School System. Cheryl attended elementary school #2, #9. and #48, went on to attend Mapleton Fall Creek- Junior High, and was a graduate of Northwest High School. She further her education at Seward County Community College in Liberal, Kansas, where she earned her associate degree in Liberal Arts. Cheryl did not stop there, she continued pursuing her education by enrolling in The University of Kansas, where she became a graduate with a master’s degree in Liberal Arts.

Cheryl met the love of her life, Darryl; in the spring of 1995, at Krannert Park.  She was inquisitive about whether or not he was married, so one of her colleagues brought it to Darryl’s attention, Darryl implied, who wants to know, pointing to the Ref (Cheryl) who called a bogus foul on him. He stated, she’s…… beautiful. He stopped by Cheryl office to shoot his shot, it was a 3-pointer, all nets. So, Darryl liked it, so he put a ring on it, June 1,1996. ( A union for over 30 years) Their strong love of chemistry created two beautiful children, Jalen and Cherrelle (who Cheryl so affectionately called “Sweetie”.

Cheryl exhibited strong work ethics. She was a devoted employee for over 30 years to Indy Parks; as District Manager where she earned her Executive Development Certificate from Indiana University. After resigning from Indy Parks the summer of 2022, Cheryl was still eager to reach the youth, so fall of 2022, she decided to come on board with the Ben Davis Giants, working with the students in the Ninth Grade Center, where she was actively employed upon her death.

(Let’s rewind): At an early age, Cheryl was an all-around athlete; playing volleyball, basketball and running track, but BASKETBALL was her LOVE. Cheryl was exposed to the fundamentals of basketball by her eldest brother Willis, who placed a ball in Cheryl’s hand and watched her develop the love for the game of basketball. He ignited the gift that was in her, which others like Steve Glenn help to cultivate. She would step on the Basketball court on 29th and Park, with her afro, or cornrow braids, with intimidation written on her face, giving the fellas on the courts the blues. She would be picked on a team before the guys would be picked. Cheryl could rebound, shoot, and played defense, talking trash… lol… telling them put your money where your mouth is, you are talking about confidence with a dose of cockiness, very competitive. However, when she began to play school basketball, she learned/ the difference between school ball vs alley ball.  Cheryl understood, in order to cultivate her game, she had to be coachable, something Cheryl struggled with, until realizing she could not elevate in playing the game she so loved, until she became a student of basketball.

Once Cheryl grasps the requirement to excel, she became a powerhouse, forced to be reckoned with. She became focused, resilient, and determined by developing perseverance. Cheryl utilized the court as a training ground for life. It taught her discipline and exemplifying purpose, molding her to the woman that she became; by cultivating the lives of many youths and adults. Cheryl wrote the vision and made it plain. She had a raspy voice with a stern disposition, tough love with genuine motives, determined, yet not defeated. She facilitated the lives of young people, enabling them to thrive. Cheryl was a legend on the court as well as off the court. She understood that her platform was her power, to ignite the hearts of youths, giving them outlets of hope, resources, and tools they needed to be successful.

Cheryl was a pillar to The City Of Indianapolis, leaving a legacy flame that will be consumed with leadership, resilience, determination, strength, integrity, honor, truth, dedication, but most of all Love, for our upcoming generations of legends. Cheryl has numerous accolades, All-City Honors at Northwest; record-holding scorer at Seward County Community College; inducted into the Hall of Fame; Playing for the University of Kansas, Cheryl established a bond under the leadership of Coach Marion Washington who became not only her Coach but her Mentor. Coach Marion prescribed wisdom and knowledge, an antidote for on and off the court, that Cheryl embraced; also, part of the Big Eight Conference Championship Team 1988, AAU National Championship, Assisted in coaching Ben Davis HS girls -two sectional titles and one regional championship. She had the biggest Heart, wanting to break the statistics off our youth. Cheryl helped youth boys and girls earn college scholarships. She initiated the lock-ins at Douglas Park, midnight basketball, dust bowls, generated jobs, contributed shoes, clothes, shelter, and other monetary gifts to youths in need. Let’s not forget about George Hill who was spiraling downward, headed for destruction, until Cheryl stepped in and became a beacon of light. She nurtured him under her wings, spoke life into him and he flourished and went on to the NBA. Another young man. made a bad decision, Cheryl wrote a letter to the courts, he was released and is prospering. There were youths that had little to eat, in need of hygienes, she found resources for their household. The list goes on and on. Cheryl’s greatest passion was mentoring and coaching the youth. Cheryl was definitely a prominent voice that resonated throughout the Community.  A pillar that deposit gems and nuggets, that impacts the heart and life of so many youths and adults. She was a Legend who left a Legacy.

Cheryl greatest accomplishment on earth was accepting Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. She understood what Jesus did on Calvary for her. She humbled herself, repented, excepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior, was baptized and filled with His precious Gift of The Holy Spirit.  (Hallelujah) If you want to follow Cheryl’s footsteps- This is the Blueprint (you must be born again) Jesus is the Way, The Truth, and The Light………

REMEMBER: Cheryl wore many H.A.T.S. (Helped Activate Thirsty Souls)

She was preceded in death by her father, Willis James Jackson Jr. and her brother, Dennis Norman Jackson.

Cheryl leaves to cherish her precious memories her loving husband, Darryl Newsom; her beloved children son, Jalen Darryl Newsom; daughter, Cherrelle Nanette Newsom; mother, Mary Elizabeth Jackson; brothers, Willis Jackson III and Rodney Jackson; sisters, Ronda Jackson and Sonia Rent; nephews, Kerwin, Dajuan, and Darren; nieces, Taija, Tiffanie, SeQuoia, Alyssa, Vashni and Natalie; and Cheryl’s precious dog, Blu.

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