Edianne "Edi" Flynn Cheek
Apr 11, 2020 - Jul 30th, 2023- Birth Date: Apr 11, 2020
- Death Date: Jul 30, 2023
- Funeral Date: Aug 5, 2023, 10:00 am
- Location: Our Lady of Holy Souls Catholic Church
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Biography: Edianne (“Edi”) Flynn Cheek passed away on July 30, 2023, in Mountainburg, Arkansas, playing with her family in the woods that she dearly loved. Edi was a gorgeous little girl and will be forever remembered as a fighter (literally and figuratively). She was confident, outspoken, loyal, and fun.
Edi was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas at 9:10 p.m. on April 11, 2020 - nine weeks early. She was seventeen inches long and weighed four pounds even. Spending the better part of a month in the NICU, Edi earned a reputation as a “feisty” baby - a characteristic which undoubtedly contributed to her earlier-than-expected release from the hospital, and a trait she displayed throughout her life. When she finally went home after being discharged, she was introduced to her big brother, Thomas.
Edi and Thomas quickly became best friends; she adored her big brother and wanted to be just like him. They played together, went to school together, got in trouble together - they fed off of each other’s energy. Edi was able to overcome many of her fears, such as swimming, due to Tommy’s example. But she early on developed her own unique personality - she was just as much a sweet little girl as she was tough as nails.
Edi loved her baby dolls, and she loved the color pink, which contrasted beautifully against her bright, crystal blue eyes. She hated balloons, strangers, and the Easter Bunny. She was very much like both of her parents: Edi inherited every ounce of her dad’s immense heart, while also possessing her mom’s charm, strength, and wit. Like her dad, Edi loved to be close to people and quickly became a snuggle bunny (although she overwhelmingly favored snuggles from dad). Like her mom, she was very decisive, sometimes to the point of ruthlessness: even considering the guestlist for her birthday party, she had no hesitation slashing on a whim anyone she deemed “bad” (sorry Mom). Fortunately, those were short lived decisions.
But to her core, Edi was sweet and loving. She cared for her family and her cousins deeply. She loved her school, the CDC where her Mom was the director; she loved her teachers and classmates; and she loved her dance class. Edi will be terribly missed.
Edi is survived by her parents, David and Hannah Cheek and her two brothers, Thomas and Cal Cheek (and another baby boy due in December) of Little Rock; her Grandparents, Robert and Robin Cheek of Little Rock and Randy and Leslie Jackson of Fort Smith; fourteen aunts and uncles, and eleven cousins.
A visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church in Downtown Little Rock on Friday, August 4 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. with the rosary starting at 7 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at Our Lady of Holy Souls Catholic Church on Saturday, August 5, at 10:00 a.m. The family is requesting those who attend the service on Saturday to wear bright colors to celebrate Edi’s colorful spirit. Even if you cannot attend the service on Saturday, the family asks you to wear bright colors to carry Edi’s spirit out into the community.
Flowers can be sent to First United Methodist Church, 723 Center Street, Little Rock, AR 72201 to adorn the church as we visit with the family and celebrate Edi’s life. The family requests bouquets of white lilies with blues, pinks, and purples. If desired, donations in Edi’s honor may be made to the Ronald McDonald House in Fayetteville. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com
We will be praying for you and your family during this tough time and the days ahead.
I love you guys!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Frank and Brenda
and I know only God can give you the strength it takes to endure losing her. I pray for His peace to sustain you as you move on in life and remember the sweetest memories you get to have of her.
With much love,
Barbara Daniel
The Vecchi family
Sitting here trying to find the right words to say. It's impossible. I remember recently a group of us were at Robert and Robin's house enjoying one another's company. I was sitting at the kitchen table with Robin when Edi climbed up into my lap to see what we were doing. That was the first time she decided 'that stranger' is okay. I could feel her gentle spirit. So sweet, so wonderful. Sending love and blessings to you and your family. You will be always in my prayers. Much love, Catherine
My deepest sympathies are for you all as you journey through this difficult time. I am praying and thinking about you all constantly. Please know that you are not alone. Sending all the love and light your way.