Cheri Rae Anthony

Cheri Rae Anthony, PhD, 64, of Salisbury, passed away September 12, 2025 at the Laurels of Salisbury. Born December 30, 1960 in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, she was the daughter of the late Robert Anthony and JoAnn Bristol Anthony. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 1983 from the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO, and attended graduate school at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA, where she earned a PhD in Clinical Gerontology. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a nephew, Eric Zimmerman. Left to cherish her memory are her son, Robbie Bergstone of Atlanta, GA; sisters, Pam Anthony-Theiss of Lee’s Summit, MO and Cindy Anthony of Dallas, TX; niece, Lisa Zimmerman of Dallas, TX and nephew, Brad Houx of Chicago, IL. During her extensive career, Dr. Anthony served U.S. veterans at the Salisbury Veterans Administration Medical Center. She started her career at the VA as a Staff Psychologist specializing in Geriatric Psychology. She was promoted to Supervisory Psychologist and then became Psychology Program Manager in 2013. In the latter part of her 33 year career she served as the Salisbury VA Suicide Prevention Program Manager. Dr. Anthony made a difference in the lives of an untold number of veterans’ lives through her care and counsel. Her son, Robbie, was her pride and joy. Cheri was always there for Robbie’s activities and encouraged his academic endeavors. While she stayed a proud Mizzou Tiger, she was “all in” as a devoted Bama Mom. She enjoyed the opportunity to see them play each other in the Southeastern Conference during Robbie’s time at the University of Alabama. Cheri was a devoted pet mom, too. Her animal babies included many breeds and species of cat and dog, whom she provided with special nicknames and undying love and affection. Left to cherish her memory is her Labrador Retriever mix, Truman, named for the mascot at the University of Missouri. The family will receive friends 3-4 p.m. Saturday, September 20 at Summersett Funeral Home, 1315 W. Innes St, Salisbury. A memorial service will follow at 4 p.m. in Summersett Memorial Chapel. Burial will be in the Historic Cemetery in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Plans for a celebration of life for Cheri will be shared soon on her Facebook page and the Lee’s Summit High School Class of 1979’s Facebook page. Memorials may be made to Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary, 220 Grace Church Road, Salisbury, NC 28147. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Anthony family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Cheri Rae Anthony

December 30, 1960 - September 12, 2025