Cheryl Ann Emerson Young, 54, of Virginia Beach, Va., passed away Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010, at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Va.

She was born March 29, 1956, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of the late Raymond Emerson Jr., and Lucille Isaacs Emerson of Oran, Mo.

Left to mourn her passing is her devoted husband, William Young of Virginia Beach; a son, Staff Sgt. Michael Emerson Young with the U.S. Air Force; two brothers, Bradley Emerson of Kennett, Mo., Jim Emerson of Chaffee, Mo.; three sisters, Brenda Schwepker of Morley, Mo., Glenda Emerson and Kay Emerson of Scott City; many nieces, nephews and close friends.

Preceding Cheryl in death were two sisters, Florence Emerson and Ginny Grant; a nephew, Shane Halter; and a great-niece, Sydnea Rhodes.

Cheryl retired from the U.S. Navy as a senior chief petty officer in August 2004, after more than 28 years of military service. Her final duty station was at Amphibious Group TWO, Little Creek Amphibious Base, Norfolk, Va.

Prior to the onset of her illness, Cheryl enjoyed working as an office assistant for more than four years in the claims division of General Motors Insurance.

A graveside service with military honors will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home Indian River Chapel in Virginia Beach, followed by a procession to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that in memory of Cheryl, donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.