Cherie Hollingsworth

Cherie A. Hollingsworth, 80, of Arcadia, Florida, passed away peacefully at Hampton Manor of Punta Gorda on Tuesday, June 2, following a prolonged illness.

Cherie was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 9, 1945, and moved with her family to Sarasota, Florida, in July 1959. She graduated from Sarasota Riverview High School in 1963 and went on to study Business at Virginia Intermont College.

In 1965, she met her future husband and moved to Arcadia, Florida, to the family farm in the heart of cattle and orange country, where she raised her two children and built a life rooted in service and community.

Cherie dedicated herself to helping others throughout her life. She was active in local volunteer programs, participated in the Arcadia Literacy Club, and served for 28 years with the DeSoto County Extension Office, affiliated with the University of Florida, as an Extension Program Assistant. During her career, she helped build and strengthen the 4-H program in DeSoto County and made a lasting impact on generations of local youth and families.

She was a faithful member of Historical Pine Level Church and often fondly remembered the years when only ten families attended worship together. Cherie found joy at the beach, water activities, ballet and tap dancing, canning, helping others, and most of all, spending time with family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Lillian Bishop, and her sisters, Joyce Gould and Gay Probus, all of Sarasota, Florida.

Cherie is survived by her son, Terry Hollingsworth, and her daughter, Sandra Hollingsworth Dyal of Arcadia, Florida; her grandsons, Justin Hollingsworth, Gary Hollingsworth, Eli Dyal, and granddaughter, Emily Dyal—as well as five great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Family, friends, and all whose lives Cherie touched are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service at Pine Level United Methodist Church, officiated by Pastor Ed Horne, located at 9596 NW Pine Level Street, Arcadia, Florida, on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

A graveside service will follow at Sarasota Memorial Park in Sarasota, Florida.

Instead of flowers, the family welcomes donations to:

Desoto County 4-H Association

Mail to: UF/IFAS Extension Service

Attention: Desoto County 4-H

2150 NE Roan St

Arcadia, FL 34266

Cherie will be greatly missed and forever remembered.