Cherika Johnson

Cherika N. Johnson

Cherika Nataye Johnson, 50, of Greenburgh, New York, passed away on April 30, 2026. She was born February 19, 1976 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the daughter of Robert L. Watson Sr. and Dorothy Jean (Short) Watson. During her childhood, the family moved to Greenburgh, New York where she became enmeshed in her community.

Cherika’s faith was deeply instilled in her through her parents. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and First Community Baptist Church in White Plains, where her participation in the choir developed her love and passion for singing.

Cherika graduated from Valhalla High School in 1994, then went on to Clark Atlanta University for some years. She later worked at Guardian Veterinarian Specialists as a Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Coordinator. While it was not her primary career, Cherika has always loved performing. From her childhood performance of Michael Jackson’s P.Y.T. in the school’s variety show, to her unforgettable role in her high school’s production of The Wiz, theater and performance truly highlighted her talents and allowed her to shine.

Cherika loved deeply. She loved her brother, Robert Jr. immensely, she was very protective of him – often calling him her “first baby boy”. They were best friends and he always pushed her to step outside of her comfort zone and step out on faith. As a mother, Cherika championed for her sons, Javaughn, Jaden and Jordan. She lovingly referred to them as her “soldiers” and was their number one cheerleader in football and Boy Scouts and whatever other interests they took up.

Cherika had many other interests as well. She loved dogs and always had at least one. She loved experimenting with her natural hair, trying different styles and documenting her journey. But her deep love for singing and performing is what sparked a connection with the person who would become the great love of her life.

On November 1, 2007, a conversation about their shared love of music sparked the beginning of a bond that would grow strong enough to bear both the sunshine and storms of life. On November 19, 2019, Cherika married her forever love, Bickford “Preech” Noel, who she described as “the only person on this earth that made [her] laugh and smile EVERY day”, keeping her grounded through every test and trial while staying strong through his own battles. Together they blended their families and Cherika was able to pour her abundant love into her bonus children.

While Cherika was blessed with deep love and joy throughout her life, she also persevered through tremendous grief. Her love, Preech, preceded her in death in 2025; her son, Javaughn in 2020; and her brother Robert Jr. in 2018.

Cherika’s bond with her family was irreplaceable and indestructible. The loss of her mother Dorothy in 2007, and later her brother Robert Jr., shook the family to their core but deepened their love and appreciation for one another. Cherika and her father, Robert Sr., grew closer and leaned on each other until the very end of their lives.

Remaining to cherish Cherika’s memory are her son Jordan, her bonus children Lyjiah Noel, Izaya Noel, Dyonni Noel, and Zayonna Noel; granddaughter, Lailah Noel; along with her loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

The viewing and visitation will take place on Friday, 22 May 2026 at 10:00am at Calvary Baptist Church located at Cousin Way, White Plains, New York, 10606. This will be followed by the funeral service at 11:00am at the same venue. The visitation and interment will take place on Tuesday, 26 May 2026 at 12:00pm at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Findley Drive, Albion, Michigan, 49224, with the Interment following at Albion Memory Gardens, 26905 B-Drive South, Albion, Michigan, 49224.

Cherika's life was a testament to her strength and her unwavering faith. Her memory will forever be a blessing and an inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know her. As we commemorate her life, we invite you to share your memories of Cherika and upload photos to her memorial page. Your contributions will serve as a lasting tribute to her vibrant spirit and an enduring legacy of her extraordinary life.