Cheryl Durst
Cheryl Kay Durst, 74, of Martinsburg, WV died Oct. 6, 2022, from an extremely aggressive cancer.
Born July 14, 1948, Cheryl was the daughter of the late Alberta Bell Yohns Durst and Arthur J. Durst.
Born and raised in Hagerstown, Cheryl graduated in 1966 from North Hagerstown High School. She studied at Shepherd University, was trained as an EMT and was employed by General Motors in Martinsburg, for 25 years.
In early adulthood, Cheryl was very physically active, competing in various running and cycling events. Later in life, she entered equestrian shows with her horse, Lady Di. Cheryl was always an artistic, passionate person, channeling her creativity and love of nature through writing, painting, raising monarch butterflies and devoting much time to her beautiful garden, a registered West Virginia Wild Yard. Her garden was a peaceful oasis for all who visited.
She was a fierce animal lover and advocate and was recognized for her work on behalf of puppy mill dogs by the Humane Society of the United States, for whom she served as West Virginia Second District Leader. She was an avid supporter of Paws Crossed Animal Rescue and the Berkeley County Animal Control Board.
Cheryl was very outspoken and politically active and was a dedicated member of the Berkeley County Democratic Association. She was a deeply committed member of the NAACP-Martinsburg-Berkeley County, where she served as chair of the Legal Redress Committee. She also assisted with the restoration of the Greenhill Historic African American Cemetery.
Cheryl was a long-standing member of Norborne Garden Club and held a number of its leadership roles, including president, secretary and representative to the Berkeley County Council of Garden Clubs.
Cheryl is survived by several cousins, many friends and her beloved standard poodle, Cocoa. Cheryl was a true servant to her community and an advocate for those who have no voice. She will be remembered for her kindness and her passion.
According to her wishes, there will be no funeral or formal memorial service. A celebration of Cheryl’s life is being planned for early December.