Cherelle Monique Sunderland

With hearts full of love and sorrow, we celebrate the beautiful life and legacy of Cherelle Monique Sunderland, born to Michael and Wanda Sunderland, who graced this world on September 19, 1984, and left us too soon on May 13, 2026.  Though her time with us was brief, her impact was profound, and her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Cherelle was a radiant soul, full of kindness, strength, and an infectious joy that could brighten even the darkest of days. She had an uncanny ability to make people feel seen, valued, and loved. Whether through a heartfelt conversation, a simple act of kindness, or her signature laughter that could light up a room, she le an indelible mark on everyone she met. She was a devoted daughter, niece, cousin, godmother, and friend, and to know her was to love her.  Her family was her foundation, and she carried their love with her in everything she did. She shared unbreakable bonds with those closest to her, always offering encouragement, support, and a listening ear whenever it was needed. Her friendships were equally treasured—she had a rare ability to turn strangers into lifelong friends and make every person she met feel like they mattered.

Cherelle pursued her dreams with passion and determination. Cherelle had a vision and she excelled in the creation of her fashion lines, Ladythickness, Hanks Designs, King of Kings Designs and Chezelle By. One of the highlights of Cherelle’s career was her participation in New York Fashion Week and her feature on the cover as well as the centerfold of one of the shows magazines.  Cherelle will always be remembered for her love of all things fashion, clothes, shoes, jewelry, and hair.  In spite of her health challenges, Cherelle embraced life with open arms, seeking joy in the simple moments whether it was traveling to new places, sharing meals with loved ones, or simply enjoying quality time with her goddaughter, Aria. Cherelle was blessed with a heart for children. She had a way with children and every one of their lives were touched in a special way from knowing her. Along with spending time with Aria, Cherelle loved being with her fur baby, Blue Egypt. She found beauty in the little things and encouraged others to do the same.  Tough our hearts ache in her absence, we take comfort in knowing that her love, laughter, and wisdom will continue to guide us. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, compassion, and grace qualities that will live on in the many lives she touched. As we honor Cherelle’s life, we remember that while she may be gone from our sight, she is never far from our hearts.

Cherelle was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Carl and Malcoma Sunderland, along with her maternal grandparents, Jessie and Cora Lee Hanks; and uncles, Jesse Jr., Sanver Lee, and Jerry Hanks.

Left to cherish her memory are her parents, Michael and Wanda Sunderland of Columbus, Ohio; aunts, Sherrie and Esther Sunderland, Karlynn (Bobby) Hornsburger of Columbus, Ohio, Vi Adams of Fort Worth, Texas, Lela Wiles of Springhill, Florida, Dorothy Hanks of Eastpoint, Georgia, Vona Hanks of Columbus, Ohio, and Terri Hackett of Atlanta, Georgia; uncles, Karl (Margaret) and Malcom Sunderland of Columbus, Ohio; special aunt, Anidra Nious of Columbus, Ohio; special family friends, the Phipps family, the Cumberlander family, Angie Feaster, Candi Wilson, and Jimanikia Myers goddaughter, Aria Myers, both of Columbus, Ohio; and a host of other family and friends. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

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