Dr. Cheryl Blalock Aspy 1947-2022

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Dr. Cheryl Blalock Aspy of Edmond, Okla. walked forward into the next life on Dec. 27, 2022. Forward is the only direction Cheryl knew to move, now she journeys into a new adventure in her heavenly life.

Cheryl was born to Amelia Mattie Stanberry Blalock and William Edison Blalock on Jan. 1, 1947 in Quitman. She was the third of her parents’ six daughters. In 1965 she graduated from Quitman High School where she made many lifelong friends. Cheryl was known as an intellect, honor student and loved to swim in her beloved Lake Lydia. She graduated cum laude from TWU in 1971. She pursued her PhD in measurement and statistics at the University of Maryland, a trailblazer as the only woman in her doctoral program, graduating in 1981.

Later that year she married David N. Aspy, PhD and shared a wonderful life and a child, Mary Christine. Cheryl transitioned from a professorship at the University of Louisville to the University of Oklahoma in 1996. Cheryl served as academic faculty in the research division of the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at the Oklahoma College of Medicine for 18 years, retiring in 2014. She was known for academic excellence and encouragement of others in equal measure. She was named Alumna of the Year by her alma mater in 1999, published over 120 academic papers, served on the editorial board of multiple journals, received millions of dollars in grant funding for her institutions and authored four books.

Cheryl was a member of Southern Hills Christian Church for 27 years. She served the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma on the Commission on Clergy and the board of Phillips Seminary. She worked to help others find their spiritual gifts and share them with the world. She believed one’s work is a gift inspired by faith shared to make the world a kinder, better place.

Cheryl loved gardening, travel and great art. Cheryl loved her daughter Christine wholeheartedly, but her favorite person was her grandson, Nathaniel, who was born in February 2020. She read, sang and snuggled him through the COVID-19 pandemic. Cancer was another challenge in a life marked by conquering challenges. Cheryl was supported by many throughout her treatment journey, living abundantly for five years after her diagnosis.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her husband, David, and her parents, Ed and Amelia Blalock. She is survived by her daughter, Christine Aspy Bridges; son-in-law, Josh Bridges; grandson, Nathaniel Bridges; her five sisters and brothers-in-laws Sandra Grider (Bruce), Annette Simpkins (Gary), Barbara Wallace (Jim), Beth Kea and Pam Hall (Stan); and many nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues. She will be missed tremendously by all whose lives she touched with her kindness, encouragement, mentorship, generosity and love.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Southern Hills Christian Church Tree of Life.