Selma McDonald Medlock Cheeley Obituary (1932

SELMA MEDLOCK CHEELEY Buford Resident, Native of Fulton County Gracious . . . charitable . . . selfless . . . faithful . . . a loyal friend. These words are most often used by those who had the pleasure to know and love Selma McDonald Medlock Cheeley. Selma was welcomed into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, February 10, 2012, after a heroic, decade-long battle with pulmonary illness and rheumatoid arthritis. Selma and her identical twin Millie were born on September 2, 1932, to Robert David and Selma McDonald Medlock of Norcross. In the mid-1800 s the Medlock family operated a ferry where Medlock Bridge now crosses the Chattahoochee. Selma finished at Norcross High School and graduated from Georgia State in 1954 with a business degree. She married attorney Joseph E. Cheeley, Jr. in 1952. Christian values were instrumental in all of Selma s pursuits. She taught Sunday school at the Buford First United Methodist Church and made sure that her family worshiped together every Sunday. Always happiest when surrounded by family and friends, Selma enjoyed when her daughter and sons brought friends home from UGA. Many of these Phi Gam brothers and Alpha Delta Pi sisters came to refer to Selma as their second mom. Selma had a huge heart for the community. Before her election to the School Board in the early 1970 s, she helped lead the peaceful integration of the city s schools a full year before federal mandates. Miss Selma regularly delivered meals and clothing to Buford s poor and homebound. She cooked meals at the church and the Kiwanis Club and served two terms as president of the Buford Women s Club. A conservationist, Selma was president of the Georgia Garden Club in the early 70 s and helped launch a statewide Plant a Tree Day. I have not seen anyone who would so freely give of her time and energy like Miss Selma, said Philip Beard, Chair of the City Commission and School Board. Buford is a better place to live because of her. Selma Medlock Cheeley left a legacy of selfless service and devotion to Jesus Christ, family, friends and community. Although unable to walk unassisted for the last few years, we know she is now dancing in heaven. The family wishes to thank all those who have ministered to Selma as the end of her journey on earth approached. Legacy survivors are: Mildred Medlock Moore of Johns Creek; Joseph E. Cheeley, III and his wife Margaret of Lawrenceville and children Kristin Cheeley Rosencrants, and her husband Ben and infant daughter Brynn Elise of Dunwoody, and Justin T. Cheeley, M.D. of Decatur; Robert D. Cheeley, and his wife Lisa of Johns Creek and children David Cheeley of Johns Creek, Amelia Cheeley of Atlanta and Harrison Cheeley, a freshman at Auburn University; Susan Medlock Cheeley of Dacula; John Philip Cheeley of Atlanta; James Nathan Cheeley and his wife Brandi and children Olivia and Gunter of Marietta; former husband, Joseph E. Cheeley, Jr., and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Buford First United Methodist Church, 285 E. Main Street, Buford. A celebration service will be held Saturday, February 18, 11 a.m., Cecil Day Chapel at Perimeter Church, 9500 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek. Reception will follow. Remains will be cremated. Any flowers should be delivered to either the Buford First United Methodist Church by 3 p.m. on Thursday, or to Perimeter Church by 5 p.m. Friday. Donations may be made to Perimeter Church s Deacons Fund or to the National Arthritis Foundation, www.arthritis.org. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 886-9899