Idalee Huskey Obituary

CHEROKEE - Idalee Inez Huskey, 88, a faithful servant of the Lord, cherished mother, grandmother, entrepreneur and beloved pillar of the community, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, June 26, 2025.
Born, Feb. 20, 1937, and raised in the beautiful mountains of Cherokee, Idalee was a woman of unwavering faith, abundant love and a grateful heart. She lived a life full of purpose, always choosing joy and praising the Lord unceasingly. She was the proud and devoted mother of two children, Edward Huskey and Alita Huskey Cunningham; the deeply adored grandmother of Shasta (Chad) Morris and Brandi (Charlie Griner) Cunningham and Gavin, Cody and Ian Huskey; and great-grandchildren, Braxton and Brandon Morris and Finn Griner, each of whom she poured her love and wisdom into.
Throughout her life, Idalee was a natural builder of businesses, of traditions, of people and of community connections. A true trailblazer and gifted entrepreneur, she started and operated several cornerstone establishments that helped shape Cherokee's local landscape, including the Pow-wow Gift Shop, Wolfe Campground, Video Den, Country Breeze Cabins and the Village Diner. Her entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and tireless work ethic helped lay the foundation for countless family memories while creating welcoming spaces for both locals and visitors alike.
But it was her day-to-day presence that truly made Idalee unforgettable. Her attitude was always one of gratitude and she reminded those around her that joy was a choice made daily. To know Idalee was to feel that joy, she was the rock everyone turned to, the one who could lift spirits with just a smile, a joke or her infectious laughter. Even in the hardest of times, she offered light, faith, humor and steady love when others needed it most. Her strength was quiet but constant and her faith in God never wavered.
Her home was a sanctuary filled with laughter, prayer, the smell of her famous fudge and the simple comfort of her perfectly made scrambled eggs. Her heart was even more open than her home-whether sharing a home-cooked meal, a warm story or a prayer, Idalee made everyone feel like family. She was the heart of every holiday, especially Christmas, which she celebrated with unmatched warmth and magic, gathering family and friends under her roof to feel her love, her laughter and her belief in the beauty of togetherness.
More than anything, Idalee was a beacon of encouragement who led by example, offering kindness, grace and strength to all who knew her. Her absence will leave a deep void, but her presence will never be forgotten. Her legacy is one of deep love, unwavering faith in God and an unshakeable commitment to her family and community.
A celebration of her life and faith was held at the Crisp Funeral Home Monday, June 30, 2025.