Isaiah Cheatem

Eighty-three years ago, something wonderful happened in the little town of Columbia, Alabama–a son was born on May 2, 1933, to the parentage of the late Mr. and Mrs. Will (Sarah) Cheatem.  They decided that they would name him Isaiah.  It was only fitting that a Biblical name was chosen, because as this young child grew into manhood, he quickly realized that The Bible was his blueprint; and if followed, it would lead him from earth to Eternity.

Well, Eternity called on Friday Morning, March 3, 2017, and it had to be a familiar voice because Reverend Isaiah Cheatem, affectionately known as “Buddy” by many, answered the call.  “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:6).  He followed the blueprint.

When his mother transitioned to be with THE LORD, his father moved him and his seven siblings to Jakin, Georgia.  There he met the lovely Dicey Mae Williams.  In 1956, they were united in Holy Matrimony.  GOD blessed this fifty-two year union with four children with the youngest daughter, Jeanette Cheatem, preceding them both in death as an infant.

It was shared with the family that on the Third Sunday in February, Reverend Cheatem preached “A Voice Crying in the Wilderness”.  Indeed he was a voice for THE LORD as he served thirty years as a Deacon at Pleasant Hill Freewill Baptist Church. He also served as Chairman of the Youth Department for many years.  In 1981 he preached his first public sermon at his membership church (Pleasant Hill F.W.B. Church).  His subject was just one word, “Remember”.  Today, it is our opportunity to remember this man of GOD who was loved and celebrated by many, especially those who GOD graced him to serve as pastor for over three decades:  Bethlehem F.W.B. Church (thirty-four years),  New Oak Grove F.W.B. Church (thirty-three years), Mount Calvary F.W.B. Church (thirty years), and Little Zion F.W.B. Church (thirty years).

Reverend Cheatem served as the President of the Georgia District Union Meeting of the Mount Hosea Star Bethel Freewill Baptist Association.  He held this office until his transitioning.

In 2008, a link in the family chain was broken; Mother Dicey Mae Cheatem was called from Labor to Reward.  This was a difficult time for Reverend Cheatem, his children, grandchildren, and the family, but again he relied on the blueprint.  “THE LORD gave and THE LORD hath taken away; blessed be the Name of THE LORD” (Job 1:22). 

He often said that one day he would preach his last sermon and pray his last prayer.  That last sermon on this side was preached on the Fourth Sunday in February, but his eulogy he lived it daily.

To celebrate both his life and legacy are three children:   Vernester Cheatem Williams (James) of Albany, Georgia, Isaac Lamar Cheatem (Janice) of Colquitt, Georgia, and Brenda Cheatem Wilcox (Ralph) of Albany, Georgia; four grandchildren:  Shena Cheatem of Bainbridge, Georgia, Javaz Williams of Lynchburg, Virginia, Jamilia Williams of Albany, Georgia, and Shantavis Cheatem of Colquitt, Georgia; a goddaughter, Magdalene Johnson of Colquitt, Georgia; one brother, Willie “Buck” Cheatem of Donalsonville, Georgia; three sisters:  Mary Russell (Jim) of Colquitt, Georgia, Sara Green of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and Reverend Kathleen Johnson of Hollywood, Florida; three sisters-in-law:  Ideine Cheatem, Ida Ruth Johnson, both of Colquitt, Georgia, and Annie Mae Williams of Miami, Florida; one Aunt, Rosa Bullard of Atlanta, Georgia; a very special friend, Eddie Bennett of Donalsonville, Georgia; a special loved one, Venson Godwin of Bainbridge, Georgia; and a host of precious nieces, nephews, church members and friends.

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