Cheri R. Shafer

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Cheri R. Shafer, age 71, beloved mother, grandmother, musician, and songwriter. Cheri was born on March 13, 1952, to Raymond and Erma Jones of French Lick, IN. She left this Earth for her Heavenly home on November 1, 2023.

Cheri was a devout Christian woman whose life mission was to minister the love of Jesus through her songs.

In 1982, she married the love of her life, Michael Shafer, and together they had one child. Cheri found immense joy in being a mother to Rachel, and later a grandmother to Camilla.

Cheri was an incredibly talented musician and prolific songwriter and spent her life writing and recording Christian songs. As a teenager, Cheri traveled in evangelical work with her mother, singing and playing piano for Erma Jones’ revivals. Later Cheri became a part of several Southern Gospel vocal groups, including Right Spirit, which she founded with her husband Mike in 1986.

A true artist, Cheri was also a painter and loved to draw.  She could often be found in her free time with a brush or sketchbook in hand.

Cheri will be remembered for her kind and compassionate spirit, her unwavering faith, and her gift of music. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Cheri is survived by her daughter Rachel (Aaron) Vining and granddaughter Camilla Vining.

She was preceded in death by her husband Michael Shafer, father Raymond Jones, mother Erma Jones, and sisters Sondra (Ernie) Hancock and Faith (Dwight) Jones.

A visitation for family and friends will be 4 – 8 pm Friday, November 10, and 10 – 11 am Saturday, November 11.  Funeral Services will begin at 11 am on November 11 at Flanner Buchanan – Zionsville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Life Tabernacle Church, 3540 Oliver Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46241.