Cherrington, Jill Troutman 1938-2022

CHERRINGTON, TROUTMAN, KOOISTRA, HARPER

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 1/14/2023 at 13:34:36

Jill Troutman Cherrington
July 20, 1938 - October 29, 2022

Jill Troutman Cherrington passed away peacefully on October 29, 2022, at Authoracare Hospice Home in Burlington, NC.

She was born on July 20, 1938, in Newton, Iowa, to the late Lester Charles Kooistra and Jeanette Harper Kooistra.

Jill was educated in Iowa public schools and graduated from high school at the top of her class in 1956. She won a Public Speaking scholarship to the University of Iowa, but it was not a full ride and she could not afford to attend. After several temporary jobs, Jill began her professional life as a hair stylist in Denver, in which she
excelled. Eventually moving to the East Coast, she co-owned multiple hair salons in Roanoke, Virginia.
In the mid 1960’s, she moved to the Piedmont Triad. Still in the beauty business, Jill went to work at Carolina Beauty Systems and for 9 years managed 39 franchises throughout Virginia and the Carolinas.

When she was in her early forties, she decided to become an independent working artist. She took classes in Raleigh, New York City, Florence and France, as well as other schools in the U.S. to perfect her creative and painting skills and to learn the business of marketing and selling art. She had a huge following and firmly established her name in the North Carolina art world. She frequently taught classes to all ages but took a
particular interest in mature women who, like herself, were interested in making bold life changes to begin new, independent and self-sustaining careers.

She loved her homes in Mebane, North Carolina. At her first house, Eagle Point, she and her late husband, Lear Cherrington, created a four-acre sculpture garden, annually opening it to the visually impaired. Guests were
encouraged to touch the statues and to learn origins of the art pieces and about various materials in the garden.

After Lear died in 1991, Jill needed a smaller home and studio to continue her work. She had the house designed but wanted to be more involved in the construction process than she had been in her first house. Her architect suggested that she become her own contractor. With the help of videos, books and the assistance of a
few good friends, she faced the challenge head on. She created a beautiful home and spent many of her last years there hosting art events, dinners and special parties.

She wasn’t afraid of anything; whether exploring Asian and fusion cooking, building her own house or producing modern abstract art. Although her floral paintings will always be associated with Jill, her mind was constantly working on new ideas.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Per Jill’s wishes, donations may be made to the Alamance Arts Council or to Elon University Art Department.
Posted online on November 18, 2022
Published in Burlington Times News, NC 29 Oct 2022.