Columbia- Cheryl Lee Peterson Dinkins, 70, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2017, at home in Columbia, S.C., surrounded by the love of her family. She was born November 11, 1946, the daughter of Naomi and Maywood Peterson. She grew up on Long Island, N.Y., and moved to Columbia, South Carolina in the mid-1980s and met the love of her life, Garrett O. Dinkins, to whom she was married for 28 years. In addition to her husband she is survived by her four daughters Tracie Catino (Charles), Billie Hawkins (David), Jennifer Dinkins, and Carla Owens, and by her brother Robert Leonard, and sisters Barbara Ferris, Susan Whiteman (Richard), and Jo-Anne Leuer. Also cherishing her memory are eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was a long-time member of Riverland Hills Baptist Church and joyfully devoted to her personal bible study. Mrs. Dinkins was an active volunteer at the Brian Center where she taught Sunday School for many years. Together with her husband, friends, and family she enjoyed trips to the beach and cruises anywhere tropical. Her greatest joy in life came from her close family, especially her grands, to whom she was a lifelong teacher and inspiration. Her gifts of graciousness and warmth and leading by example will remain with us. A graveside service will be held Friday at 2:00 p.m. in Sawney's Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, 14605 Ridgeway Rd, Ridgeway, S.C. In lieu of flowers, it was Mrs. Dinkins's wish for memorials to be made to your church or a charity of your choice.