Ms. Cheri Machelle Eslinger, age 48, of Calhoun, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Born on September 16, 1977, in Dalton, Georgia, Cheri was preceded in death by her mother, Helen Ledford Chastain, and her sister, Jeanette Collins Hornbuckle.

Our mother was the sweetest, most uplifting person in our lives. She always wanted to see us succeed, no matter what. She loved creating new art out of the ordinary. She loved animals, especially cats. She was the most caring mother we could ask for, even when it was hard to be.

Cheri is survived by her devoted partner of 20 years, Anthony Lee Charles. She leaves behind her children: sons Thomas "Chandler"  and Kera Eslinger and Hayden Anthony Charles, both of Calhoun; daughters Carolaynne Elizabeth Esslinger of Springfield, Missouri, and Heaven Alea Charles of Calhoun. She is also survived by her father and stepmother, Robert Leon and Betty J. Collins; her brothers, Bobby L. Collins of Calhoun and Ricky L. Collins of Dalton; and her sister, Cathy (Ronald) Hornbuckle of Dalton. Cheri cherished her grandchildren, Grayson Thomas Eslinger and Isaiah James Thompson, who brought immense joy to her life. She is survived by several nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate Cheri's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Ponders Calhoun Chapel with the Reverend Clyde McEntyre officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until the service hour.

Interment will follow at Mineral Springs Church Cemetery in Dalton, Georgia.

Arrangements entrusted to: Ponders Funeral Home – Calhoun Chapel 675 Jolly Road Calhoun, Georgia 30701 706-625-7577 www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org