Obituary

Onita Jones was born on November 1, 1945, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Ontee and Samara Jones. She passed away peacefully on Monday, May 12, 2025.

After meeting as teenagers in the Tulsa Public School’s system, Onita married Edward Cherry Jr. in 1961. To that union, three sons were born. They were married for ten years before parting ways.

In 1979, Onita married David E. Beard. They shared 30 years of happiness, and she was a loving, committed wife throughout their life together. 

Onita dedicated 30 years of service as a respiratory therapist at Saint John Hospital. Known for her warm smile and compassionate care, she treated her patients with kindness and professionalism, even while battling rheumatoid arthritis. Determined to serve, she often used a motorized scooter to ensure she could continue helping others. 

A devoted member of Sheridan Road Church of Christ, Onita volunteered wherever she was needed and remained active in her faith community. Her love for her family, her faith, and the beauty of flowers were constant sources of joy. 

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Edward Cherry Jr., her parents, Ontee and Samara Jones, and her older brothers, Otee, Matthew and Edward Jones, her first son Richard D. Jones (Cherry), her niece, Victoria Toussaint Hill, her grandson Terrence Carter Cherry and great nephew Cory W. Hill. 

Onita Jones Cherry Beard leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, David E. Beard; her sons, Christopher Cherry and Terence Cherry; her daughter, Demita Brewer; her grandchildren; her sister, Ruth Jones; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends. Additional sisters: Lena, Rose, Peggy and Vaughn Wright. 

Onita was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.