Cheryl Parsons Soehl, known to many friends as Sam, 77, of Columbia, died on July 18, 2025. Born July 29, 1947, in Columbia, South Carolina, she was a daughter of Frederick Curry Parsons and Mary Louise Elliot Parsons.

She completed high school at A. C. Flora, her undergraduate studies at New College of Florida, and received a master's degree in occupational therapy from the University of South Carolina. Cheryl retired from USC Columbia after 21 years of service as coordinator of Interfaith Initiatives in the Department of Student Life.

Cherly Soehl was a petite woman with a soft voice. Though she may have lacked stature (and volume), she was blessed with a big heart, big talents, big aspirations, and big opinions. She dedicated her life to helping others, guiding young people as they began navigating life on their own, and speaking on behalf of some of the most vulnerable members of society when they could not. She made a huge impact on this world, and we are fortunate to have known her and grateful for all she has given.

Cheryl shared her time and talents with multiple organizations throughout her life, serving as a Guardian ad Litem for both children and adults for 30 years and volunteering with Sistercare, Interfaith Partners of South Carolina, Alternatives to Violence Project South Carolina, Moms Demand Action South Carolina, and others. She attended community events and supported multiple, varied causes, including SC Pride, the Mayor's Walk Against Domestic Violence, the Columbia Homeless Count, NAMI Mid-Carolina, the ETV Endowment, and more. She was a formidable force when it came to causes and people she believed in, and she attended community meetings, marches, and demonstrations to advocate for them. Cheryl was a longtime member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia, where she participated in many activities and committees over the years.

A brave and independent woman, Cheryl explored the world; in her youth, she traveled across the country with her friends in the Allman Brothers Band, lived in Florida, New York, California, and London, and visited Europe. In her later years, she traveled to Turkey and Peru. She and her cherished mother-in-law, Dorothy Gennaro, traveled across the southeast together seeking nature, art, and culture.

Cheryl was a modern bohemian with varied and eclectic tastes in music, art, food, and books. She played multiple musical instruments, drew, painted, sang, knitted, collected first editions, hunted antiques, and tended to her garden. Renowned for giving the most unique and spot-on gifts to her family, Cheryl doted on her loved ones by searching for keepsakes and presents that brought joy and stimulated learning.

Though she was often quiet and reserved, Cheryl had a quick wit and sharp mind, a fierce dedication to her values and loved ones, and, when necessary, a surprisingly salty tongue (and impressively extensive blue vocabulary).

Cheryl is survived by her beloved son, Aaron Soehl (Tracy); brother Fred C. Parsons (Dolores); nephews Christopher Parsons, Chris Skipper, Hudson Soehl, Jeffrey Soehl, and Cooper Soehl; nieces Jennifer Beall and Shana Smith; M., for whom Cheryl served many years as Guardian ad Litem and of whom she was incredibly proud; lifelong friend Ruthanne Kah; adored confidante Linda Lapointe; adopted family Aimee Lapointe (Michael) and their children Nora and Evan; and countless friends and colleagues from New College, Interfaith Partners, the UUCC, USC, and her many travels.

In addition to her parents, Cheryl is reunited with her older sister, Trina Hannah, and her adventuring companion, Dorothy.

The family will hold a celebration of life for Cheryl this fall and will post details as they are finalized here as well as her memorial Facebook page. In place of flowers, meal trains, and the like, her family asks that those who wish to honor her give their time, talents, or funds to a cause that makes the world a safer, kinder place for "the least of these".

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.