Cheryl Lashawn Dukes

Cheryl Lashawn "Nunny" Dukes, 52, of Tampa, Florida, passed away on July 18, 2026. Born on August 16, 1974, in Tampa, Cheryl spent her life in the community she loved and called home. Cheryl attended schools in Hillsborough County, where she laid the foundation for a life filled with love, kindness, and compassion. She was a devoted mother to her children Ricky Jones (Vanessa), Derrick Bland (Renisha), Shaderria Bland, Damian Bland, and Darius Bland. Her legacy continues through her 14 cherished grandchildren and her beloved dog Lou Lou. Cheryl’s family was the center of her world, and she embraced her roles as a mother, grandmother, sibling, auntie, and friend with unwavering dedication. She is also survived by her sisters Paulette Washington (Britten), Alisa Sealy (Matthew), and Sandra Tisdale; brothers James Poole (Tangela), Purvis Sealy, Ronnie Williams (Sharron), Sherman Williams, and Jihad Amos Muhammad (Renae); aunts Yvonne Reed, Betty Sharpe, Rosa Garvin, and Barbara Barton-Johnson; uncles Cleve Simms and Jackie Dukes; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts. Cheryl was preceded in death by her mother Carrie Dukes and Lou Sealy; her brother Herman Williams; uncles Morris Dukes, Frank Simms, Freddy Pennington; and cousin Melvinita Perry. Though they have gone before her, their spirits remain intertwined with hers in eternal peace. A woman of many passions, Cheryl found joy in sports, music of all genres, and cooking. She was an ardent fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Miami Heat—teams that brought excitement to her life as she cheered them on with enthusiasm. Her love for music was boundless; it was a constant source of happiness that resonated deeply within her soul. In the kitchen, Cheryl’s culinary talents brought people together over meals infused with love. Cheryl presence was like a gentle whisper in the leaves or the comforting fragrance of life itself. She embodied warmth—a cool hand on your shoulder when you needed it most—and left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her laughter echoed like a melody that will never fade from memory. As we mourn Cheryl’s passing, we also celebrate the beautiful life she lived—a life filled with love for family and friends and an enduring spirit that will continue to inspire those who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to all who carry it in their hearts forever. A Funeral will be held on August 1, 2026, from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM at Ray Williams Funeral Home 301 N Howard Ave