Cheryl Johnson Watts

Cheryl Johnson Watts, 61, of Bath, PA transitioned from Labor to Reward on Tuesday night November 18, 2025 at home, surrounded by her loving family and caregivers.

Cheryl Johnson-Watts was born on December 19, 1963, in Flushing, Queens to Harold Johnson, an engineer for Grumman Aerospace, and Gaynel Yolanda Johnson, a hospital nutritionist. She spent her early years in Flushing before her family settled in Bayside, Queens. A proud graduate of Francis Lewis High School, Cheryl excelled as an honor student while developing her musical talents as a flutist in the school band and orchestra. Her natural diplomacy, leadership, and ability to bring people together were evident early on through her active participation in Junior Achievement and her election as an officer in the school’s chapter of the National Council of Christians and Jews.

Cheryl was accepted to Harvard, Wesleyan, and Princeton, ultimately choosing Princeton University. There she earned a degree in Romance Languages and Literature with a minor in Latin American and African American Studies. Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and French, she used her love of language to connect meaningfully with people from diverse backgrounds. At Princeton, Cheryl continued to lead and serve as Vice President of the Class of 1985 and an active member of the Third World Center—roles her classmates remember with deep affection.

As an alumna, Cheryl remained dedicated to the Princeton community. She served on the board of the Association of Black Princeton Alumni, volunteered as an alumni interviewer from 2016 to 2025, and contributed annually to Princeton Reunions as Co-Chair for Publicity and Promotion. She was also a committed member of the Princeton Women’s Network.

Cheryl launched her professional career at Paragon Cable/Time Warner as a producer in northern Manhattan, creating special events across multilingual communities. She later joined MTV as Manager of Special Events, coordinating major projects including the MTV Rock the Vote Inaugural Ball during President Bill Clinton’s election year. She went on to the National Basketball Association, where she developed and managed social events nationally and internationally, including NBA All-Star Weekends, MTV’s NBA All-Star Bashes, and NBA Europe Tours.

From 1997 to 2006, Cheryl led her own company, CJ & Company Creative Consultants, serving clients such as the NBA, Merrill Lynch, the NYC Department for the Aging, and the Alzheimer’s Association of New York and New Jersey. Notable achievements included producing the “Tribute to Grace and Hope” at Madison Square Garden, honoring World Trade Center heroes, and coordinating the Alzheimer’s Association’s Annual Early Stage Conference—later designated a White House Conference on Aging event.

Cheryl next served as Senior Vice President and Conference Producer for IMN/Euromoney Institutional Investor (2006–2012), where she led investment management conferences and launched new events focused on emerging investment strategies. She continued her financial career as a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch and AIG-VALIC, earning her Series 7 and 66 licenses, Life/Health Insurance certification, and specialized certification in serving Special Needs clients (2012–2020).

In 2020, Cheryl became Regional Organizing Director for Team Bloomberg’s presidential campaign in Pennsylvania, where she helped expand public engagement, recruit staff, and strengthen volunteer outreach. Her work deepened her commitment to serving the people of Pennsylvania.

In 2021 Cheryl along with her husband Michael joined Restoration Temple in Allentown.  During this time Cheryl along with Michael worked as Community Engagement Coordinators as well serving on the Board at the Cathedral.  In October of 2025 after training, prayer and preparation Cheryl was ordained in the Sacred office of Deacon under the leadership of Bishop Timothy E. Beville, Jr.

From 2022 until her passing, Cheryl served as Project Director for the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools (PCPCS), overseeing a $30 million federal grant to develop, expand, and replicate 18 high-quality public schools across the state. Her legacy lives on in the thousands of students who will benefit from this work—students she cared for deeply.

Cheryl leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Michael Watts; sisters Crystal Johnson-Gooding and Sheila R. Wilson; brothers Glenn Johnson and Kendall Johnson; brothers-in-law Colvin Gooding and Andre Wilson; her beloved niece, Yolanda Gooding; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and treasured friends who lovingly call her sister and companion.

Funeral Services will take place at 6PM on Tuesday in Restoration Temple 1101 W. Tilghman St. Allentown, PA 18102.  A Public Viewing will held in the Cathedral from 4:00PM to 5:45PM.  At 5:45PM a service of reception, establishment of protocol and sealing of the bier will take place.  The official Funeral Service will follow at 6PM.

*Visiting Clergy may Robe according to your tradition or civic attire is requested. Elders, Deacons Civic Attire. Music Ministry - Black & White. Procession will form at 5:30PM in the Bishops Chamber.

*Please forward resolutions and letters of acknowledgement to the church via email to  dr.timothyRTLV@gmail.com no later than Monday morning.

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