Bryer Haywood, Staff Writer
Jackie “Miss Peaches” Cherry, a warm, familiar figure to many students at VCU, passed away on March 8 at the age of 61.
Miss Peaches worked at Shafer Dining Court for 15 years and is fondly remembered for always greeting students with a smile whenever they walked up the stairs.
During an interview with VCU News last year, Miss Peaches said she was motivated in her position by her connection to her family and her “other family” in the Dining Services staff, and strived to be kind to students she came across.
“I treat people decent every day,” Miss Peaches said. “It’s just my humble way. I’m only doing God’s work. If my grandkids were going to college, I would want somebody to treat them with respect and show them support.”
Aramark, the company partnered with VCU to run VCUDine and which employed many of her colleagues, offered a statement on Miss Peaches’s passing.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our long‑time and cherished colleague, Jacquelyn Cherry, known as Miss Peaches, whose dedication and kindness touched our entire organization. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her loved ones,” Aramark stated.
While born in Fauquier County, Miss Peaches has lifelong ties to Richmond — she grew up in the city and graduated from George Wythe High School. She later became a Certified Nursing Assistant at Westport Rehabilitation Center.
At Miss Peaches’s memorial service, her family and friends shared many heartfelt comments and stories of her.
“No one can ever take the place of a sister,” said Miss Peaches’ sister, Denise.
“I appreciate you for letting me be by your side during some of the darkest moments,” said Arquiera, Miss Peaches’ granddaughter.
Bishop Bernard “BJay” Lambert, Jr. described Miss Peaches as someone who was strong willed and unafraid to speak her mind. He added that she would’ve wanted her family to stick together and fight in her honor.
Multiple longtime family friends of Miss Peaches spoke of her caring nature and willingness to take people in as if they were her own family. Many of her friends and loved ones referred to her as “Sister Cherry” or “Miss Jackie.”
Miss Peaches’s youngest sister, Melodie Richards, spoke about how Miss Peaches encouraged everyone to be better people and urged funeral attendees to keep that spirit with them.
“She was always there and the way that the VCU community surrounded her with support and love, it shows what she gave to the community. They’ve given back what she gave out,” said Joe, a former VCU student.
Fourth-year dance student Nailah Barnes shared a memory between herself and Miss Peaches.
“I was alone and wasn’t having the best day,” Barnes said. “She could see the look on my face and stopped me to ask what was wrong. We spoke for a while and I told her my problem while people were still coming in and out. To me, she was the face of Shafer.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to help Miss Peaches’ family with costs following her passing. Community members can donate here.