Cheryl was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on March 2, 1951, to Charles and Erline (Grant) Smith, Jr. Among her many accomplishments, she was a proud member of the inaugural graduating class of William M. Raines High School in 1969.

She met the love of her life, Lionel Miles, while attending Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in 1974. They married in 1976 and remained devoted to one another until his passing in 1998. Cheryl was passionate about her faith, her daughters, her grandsons, and the family and friends who enriched her life.

Cheryl was a radiant presence—feisty, full of joy, and never afraid to speak her mind. She brought laughter, truth, and love into every room she entered, often sending friends and strangers off with a heartfelt "I love you." Her journey was marked by deep faith, bold honesty, and a contagious zest for life especially on the dance floor. Her passing leaves a space that cannot be filled, but we choose to remember her not by how her life ended, but by how fully and fiercely she lived, and the profound mark she left on everyone lucky enough to know her.

She faithfully served at Bethel Church in the Children's Nursery, caring for 4- and 5- year-olds, the Changing Women Sunday School Class, and contributed to the Marriage, Women's, and Deacon Ministries, where she earned Emeritus status. She was also an Eagle Band Parent,
a member of a Married Couples' Club, and the Order of the Eastern Star, among other organizations that brought her joy and purpose.

On the morning of July 10, 2025, Cheryl was welcomed into her eternal home by her parents; her beloved husband; aunts, Maude Conway and Margaret Mathis; uncles, Roland Smith, Arnold Grant Sr., Everett Grant, Jr., and Cornelius Grant; niece, Shaunda Williams, as well as cherished
grandparents, cousins, and friends.

Cheryl leaves behind an undeniable legacy, carried forward in different ways by her daughters—Trace Miles, Cherae Miles, and Dr. Sandra Miles each of whom carries a piece of her legacy, shaped by memory, experience, and the journey they shared. She will also be cherished and lovingly remembered by her sister, Sandra "Joyce" Sampson; her grandson, Malcolm C. Miles; grandnephew, Rashaun T. Sampson; godson, Derry "DJ" Hall, Jr.; goddaughter, Megan Suggs (Adrian); and cousins, Jennifer Nelson, Patricia Wade, Janice Townsend (William), Phyllis Chaplin, and Carol Conway. She also leaves behind dear friends, Yvonne Stewart (Herman) and Esther Spaulding; her fellow "Golden Girls:" Beverly Clark, Annie Seabrooks, and Carlond Gray; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and coworkers who were touched by her light.