Cherie Rae Poucher

GARNER - Cherie Rae Poucher, 77, loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and friend passed away Monday, May 5, 2025.

She was born in Florence, WI on July 16, 1947, the daughter of Russell Ostrom and Edna "Teddy" Wilson Ostrom. Cherie and her late husband, John, began raising their family in Blue Island, IL, later moving to Coral Springs, FL, and then settling in Raleigh, NC, in 1985.

Cherie was a devoted mother to her two boys, Mark and John. She was a constant presence at their sporting events and was often one of the loudest voices in the crowd, despite her petite stature. While living in Florida, she began working from home as a court stenographer so she could always be close to her boys.

After moving to Raleigh, Cherie joined Governor Martin's administration before accepting the role she was most proud of-Director of the Wake County Board of Elections-in 1991. During her time with the Board, she was honored with the Distinguished Service Award by the N.C. Association of Directors of Elections. She remained Director until her retirement in 2015. Despite the demands of her position, Cherie always made time for her sons, grandchildren, and friends.

Cherie was an exceptional mother and grandmother. She deeply loved her family and treasured the time they spent together. To her sons' friends, she was affectionately known as "Mom," and to her grandchildren's friends, "Grandma." Over the years, she also became a second mother to several hockey players who lived in North Carolina while playing the sport.

Cherie had a deep love for animals, often fostering dogs who eventually became part of the family. She was a passionate sports fan, always cheering for her beloved Bears, Cubs, and Hurricanes.

Cherie was preceded in death by her parents, Russell CW Ostrom and Edna "Teddy" W. Coyne; her husband, John W. Poucher, Jr.; and a grandson, Tyler L. Poucher.

She is survived by her sons, Mark Poucher and wife, Cheryl of Raleigh, and John Poucher, III and fiancée, Lori of Holly Springs; grandchildren, Stephen Poucher, Hayden Poucher, John Poucher, IV, Ami Poucher, Stacy Gardner, and Lindsey Gardner; brother, Kevin Coyne and wife, Jackie of Rolesville; and her canine companion, Chewie; along with a host of extended family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 PM on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh (831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27604). The family will receive friends and relatives at the funeral home, one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Cherie's memory may be made to the SPCA of Wake County, 200 Petfinder Ln, Raleigh, NC 27603.

Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com