Cheryl Vicknair Rainwater

Cheryl’s many adventures began shortly after the 1st day of Spring, March 23rd, 1955. The American Legion Hospital, Jennings LA. Born Cheryl Faye Vicknair. 

Cheryl’s childhood was filled with adventure. From flying in the hopper of her Fathers AG- CAT crop duster as a child, to gaining her license as a teenager and flying solo in her hometown. Cheryl delivered milk jugs, earned the nick name ‘Crazy legs Vicknair’ while playing basketball; and if not water skiing on the Mermentau you might find her riding bareback on a horse or skinny dipping in a lake with friends, which were friends she kept her entire life.

As accomplished and well-traveled as she became – she was most proud and most fond of her hometown. Cheryl enrolled at McNeese yet dropped out after contracting Guillain Barre syndrome which paralyzed her for a year. She bounced back, then began a successful Insurance career, Boulder Colorado. During that time, she was blessed with two beautiful children: Grayson and Hannelore. Cheryl soon continued her adventure to Puerto Vallarta Mexico, enrolling her children in the esteemed American School. Cheryl gave herself the nickname Maartita La Reina and many whom knew her would say: she was the unofficial mayor of that beautiful town.

Cheryl understood loss and heartache, accomplishments and courage. Her only son Grayson, a disabled U.S. Army veteran, passed at the age of 27. Every time Cheryl had the opportunity to shake a veteran’s hand and salute them, she did, she went out of her way to make a veteran smile.

Cheryl knew happiness, she found the love of her life, Michael Rainwater an Iraq veteran, who also absolutely found the love of his life as well. They remained married and in love when COPD claimed her last breath, the 1st day of winter, December 21st, 2024. She passed peacefully in her home, Willis, TX, passed as Cheryl Vicknair Hein. 

Cheryl is survived by her brother Richard Ray, Daughter Hannalore and devoted husband Michael Rainwater.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Miguez Funeral Home in Jennings, Louisiana, beginning at 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., in the funeral home chapel. 

In the leu of flowers, it would make her heart smile for donations in her name to: Southwest Louisiana Veterans home, 1610 Evangeline Highway Jennings, LA 70546. Phone, 337-824-2829.

Please know that her adventures will continue in the spirit; just as she has touched the hearts of many, many souls - as her husband she simply has my heart, and she will accompany me on all the adventures that lie ahead.