obituaries

Jeanette Marquez

January 22, 1958 - June 5, 2026

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 9:00am - 12:00pm on Tuesday, June 16th, 2026 in the Zinfandel Room in the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 1:00pm on Tuesday, June 16th, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Marquez family.

Esperanza Flores Tinoco

January 13, 1952 - June 5, 2026

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 9:00am - 12:00pm on Saturday, June 20th 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday, June 20th 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Flores Tinoco family.

Jerry Dean Willis Sr

In Loving Memory of Jerry Dean Willis Sr
April 5, 1944 - June 5, 2026

Jerry D Willis Sr, age 82, passed away on June 5, 2026, at Kaiser Hospital in Modesto, California. He was born on April 5, 1944, in French Camp, California.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Horace Kenton Willis; his mother, Lillian Willis; his brothers, Charles Willis, Stanley Willis, and his twin brother, Larry Willis; and his sisters, Phyllis Ryan, Frances Foster, and Peggy Soto.

He is lovingly remembered by his longtime girlfriend, Sharon Jensen and her granddaughter Jenna; the mother of his children Sally Willis; his sister, Evon Ybarra; his brother, Roger Willis; his sons, Jerry Dean Willis Jr. (daughter-in-law, Susan), and Larry Scott Willis. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss him greatly.

For more than 45 years, Jerry Willis was a proud owner of social and spirit establishments throughout the area. Through his work, he formed countless friendships with people from all walks of life. Known for his welcoming personality, generosity, sense of humor, and gift for conversation. Also, his ability to connect with others and make everyone feel welcome was one of his most admired qualities.

FINAL CALL
Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service or as Jerry would say the “final call” on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 Beckman Road, Lodi, California 95240. A BBQ will follow at the Stockton Waterloo Gun and Bocce Club, 4343 N. Ashley Ln, Stockton, California 95215.

Though he will be deeply missed, Jerry Willis' kindness, friendship, and enduring spirit will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Willis family.

Long Nguyen

May 5, 1935 - June 4, 2026

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 8:00pm with a rosary starting at 5:00pm on Thursday, June 11th, at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

MASS
 Mass will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, June 12th, 2026 at Saint Luke’s Catholic Church, located at 3847 N Sutter St, Stockton, CA 95204. The final committal will follow at the San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery, located at 719 E Harding Way, Stockton, CA 95204.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Nguyen family.

Leon Coloma Semana

February 20, 1927 - June 4, 2026

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 9:00am - 8:00pm on Monday, June 22nd, 2026 in the Zinfandel Room at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 3:00pm - 8:00pm on Tuesday, June 23rd 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

MASS
 Mass will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, June 24th, 2026 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, located at 5882 North Ashley Lane  Stockton CA 95215

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Semana family.

Velda Rubino

May 10, 1933 - June 3, 2026

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 3:00pm - 7:00pm on Wednesday, July 8th, 2026 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, July 9th, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Rubino family.

Teresa Nan Thompson

Teresa Thompson
February 9, 1954 - May 31, 2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Teresa Thompson (McCulley), age 72, of Lodi, CA. Terri passed away on May 31, 2026 after a valiant battle with cancer. She was born February 9th, 1954 in Santa Barbara, CA to Walter and Marjorie McCulley.

Terri attended local schools in Santa Barbara before heading to Biola College. It was there she met the love of her life, Mark Thompson. They married in 1979 and enjoyed a long and loving marriage. Together they raised a daughter, Danielle Thompson.

Terri's life with Mark was devoted to serving The Lord in various church ministries in southern CA as well as entrepreneurial adventures. Together Mark and Terri felt called to northern CA where they eventually started Remedy Church Lodi. Terri had many gifts and hobbies but her greatest joy came from serving others through those hobbies of cooking, baking and crafting, She loved to gather people together for food, games and conversations of life.

Terri is survived by her husband Mark, daughter Danielle, siblings Tim McCulley (Joane), Colleen Smith (Jim), and Barb McCulley, Sister in law Marilyn Ashby, her husband Lee and mother in law Bobbie Thompson.

Terri will be most remembered for her love and dedication to the Lord, her family and anyone God brought into her life.

MEMORIAL SERVICE
A memorial service will be held for Terri on Friday, June 19, 2026 at Grace Point Church (801 S. Lower Sacramento Rd. Lodi, CA) at 6:00 pm.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Thompson family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Michelle "Mikey Souza" DeKam

In Loving Memory of Mikey Souza
February 26, 1982 – May 29, 2026

With heavy hearts and countless cherished memories, we announce the passing of Mikey Souza, who left this world on May 29, 2026, at the age of 44.

Mikey made her home in Lake Camanche, California, a place that perfectly matched her spirit. If she wasn't tending to her plants, you could often find her out on the lake fishing, kayaking, or simply soaking in the beauty of the water she loved so much. The lake wasn't just where she lived, it was where she felt most at peace.

Mikey had a gift for making people laugh, often when they needed it most. She had a stubborn streak, a big heart, and a way of speaking her mind that left little room for guessing what she was thinking. She loved fiercely, laughed loudly, and lived life on her own terms.

More than anything, Mikey treasured time with the people she loved. Her greatest joy was being with her daughter, Madison, and sharing life with her love, Scott. She was a devoted mother, a beloved daughter, sister, and friend whose presence brought warmth, honesty, and plenty of unforgettable stories to those around her.

Mikey is survived by her parents, Donna and Ken Thomas; her sister, Jennifer Ollis; her brother, Kenny Thomas; her daughter, Madison Woodcock; her son, Jadon Woodcock; and many other family members and friends who will carry her memory forward.

While our hearts ache in her absence, we take comfort in imagining Mikey where she would want to be: on a calm lake at sunrise, fishing pole in hand, surrounded by nature, probably reminding us all that we were doing it wrong.

She was the kind of person who left ripples everywhere she went, just like the lake she loved. Her kindness, humor, strength, and love touched countless lives, and those ripples will continue long after her passing through the family, friends, and memories she leaves behind.

Mikey's love, laughter, strength, and spirit will remain with us forever. Though she has left our sight, she will never leave our hearts.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. 

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve Mikey’s  family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Sam Muok

January 3, 1938 - May 21, 2026

Sam Muok was born on January 3, 1938, in Mondulkiri, Cambodia, to Puk Muok and Srai Reas. He passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, at the age of 88, surrounded by the love of his family.

A devoted husband, father, community leader, and founding member of Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple, Sam lived a life of service, resilience, and dedication to his family.

In 1958, he moved to Phnom Penh to enroll in the Cambodian Navy’s fourth officer training cohort, known as the “Fourth Promotion”. He went on to serve as a First Lieutenant in the Cambodian Navy.

Sam married Noeur Nou in June 1960, and together they raised six children.

In 1975, when the Khmer Rouge took control of Cambodia, Sam and his family were forced to flee their homeland in search of safety and a better future.

The family eventually settled in Oakland, California, where Sam worked tirelessly to build a new life for his wife and children. Although he arrived without speaking English, he never allowed that obstacle to stand in his way. He took on whatever work he could find, including jobs as a ship loader and gas station attendant. Through hard work, perseverance, and sacrifice, he provided for his family and created opportunities for future generations.

Sam later found steady employment at Bells Manufacturing in Oakland. After five years at Bells, he secured a new opportunity as a mechanic at the University of the Pacific in Stockton. The family relocated to Stockton, where they put down roots and built a life together. Sam was part of the growing Cambodian community that helped found Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple in 1982. For Sam, the temple represented the faith, community, and traditions that sustained so many families as they built new lives in America. Sam remained at the university until his retirement in 2000.

Sam is survived by his beloved wife, Noeur, six children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Thank you, Pa and Ta, for everything you gave us. Thank you for your sacrifices, your strength, and your unwavering love. Everything we are today is a reflection of the foundation you built for our family.

You lived a life defined by humility, hard work, courage, and devotion to those you loved. Your memory will live on forever in our hearts and minds.

VISITATION AND SERVICE
 A visitation and service will be held 9:00am on Friday, June 26th, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Muok family.

Please leave your condolences below.

James Burlington

James Evans Burlington
February 28, 1953 - May 15, 2026

James (Jim) Evans Burlington passed away on May 15, 2026 with his beloved wife of 46 years Linn at his side. Born February 28, 1953, in Lodi where Jim was a lifelong and fourth generation resident. Jim attended St. Anne’s Catholic School, Lodi Middle School, and Lodi High where he was a member of the diving team. He attended college at San Joaquin Delta College, UC Davis, and graduated from University of the Pacific with a bachelor’s degree in English. He went on and received a Law degree from Humprey’s Law School at night while working full time at San Joaquin Sulphur plant.

Jim began his law career in private practice and later joined the San Joaquin County Public Defenders office where he retired from in 2010. He firmly believed everyone deserved a good defense and dedicated his entire career to doing just that.

Jim had many hobbies, including restoring old motorcycles with his buddy Larry Skelton, who probably greeted Jim in heaven with wrench in hand. He was also involved in home wine making for many years with Herb Paskett and a group of family and friends. Jim also enjoyed history and was a member of E Clampus Vitus where he and members would travel around Northern California erecting historical plaques commemorating the forgotten, obscure, and sometimes bawdy aspects of frontier history.

Jim was a devoted member of the Order of Odd Fellows where he served as Noble Grand, Legal Scholar and Lodge Historian.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Earl (Bud) and Llewella Burlington, and his nephew Carson Burlington. He is survived by his wife Linn, his brother Price, and his nieces Jonna McFarland, Kelsey Raya, and nephews Keaton and Augustine (Gus) Burlington.

FUNERAL SERVICE
A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 26th at 11AM at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to a charity or cause meaningful to you, in honor of Jim’s generous spirit.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Burlington family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Jack Virgil Fiori

Jack Virgil Fiori
January 27, 1931 - May 15, 2026

Jack was born in Lodi on January 27, 1931, and went to be with Jesus on May 15, 2026, at the age of 95. 

Jack married his high-school sweetheart Joyce Ulmer in 1951. They were blessed with 43 years of marriage, and together they raised  2 sons, Jack and Joseph.  Jack’s wife Joyce passed away in 1994. Jack and Joyce were the first couple to marry at the newly constructed Zion Reformed Church on Ham Lane. While a member there, he served on the Elders Board, including one term as president. For the last 16 years, he faithfully
attended First Baptist Church of Lodi, where everyone knew where to find him in his spot in the 4th pew.

In 1996, Jack married Delores Gallo, also a Lodi High graduate who raised her family in Ohio. Delores was in Lodi visiting her family and they met at a softball game. Delores passed away in 2018. Jack was also predeceased by his sister, Rose Marie Rydlund, Sister-in-law Phyllis Phipps and Brother-in-law Ed Phipps, and nephews Bob Smoke and Tom Piper.

Jack is survived by sons Jack (Gwen), and Joe (Barbara), Grandchildren; Jenny Williams (Jimmy), Joseph Fiori (Lindsey), David Fiori (Dana), Adam Fiori (Brooke), and Christa Soria (Joseph). Jack also has #9 great-grandchildren; Caleb Williams-15, Deacon Fiori-14, Landon Williams-14, Delaney Fiori-12, Jackson Fiori-12, Kenton Fiori- 10, Emma Fiori-7, Lucy Fiori-5, and Samantha Ann Soria-born on May 8th , 7 days before Jack died. Jack is also survived by nephews Kevin Phipps, Mike Phipps, Tim Phipps and Jack Piper, and stepchildren Danelle Gallo, Dan Gallo, David Gallo, and Doreen Bestolarides.

Jack graduated from Lodi High School in 1949 where he was an outstanding athlete earning 11 letters. He played football and baseball in junior college and received a combination football-baseball scholarship to play at College of the Pacific (now UOP).  He signed a pro-baseball contract with the Detroit Tigers in 1953 and played one season with their farm team, the Bakersfield Indians. Jack was drafted into the US Army and served 2 years at Ford Ord, California where he played on their football team. A newspaper article from 1953 described Jack as “one of the greatest athletes to come out of Lodi High”.

After the Army, in 1955 Jack began his career with San Joaquin County at their Mosquito Abatement District, where he was employed for 36 years before his retirement.  His last 15 years he served as District Manager and was responsible for developing some programs still in use today that allow County residents to enjoy time outdoors without fear of mosquito borne diseases. While District Manager, Jack served as President of the California Mosquito Vector Control Association. After his retirement, Jack served an additional 25 years on the San Joaquin County Mosquito Abatement District Board of Trustees, including two terms as President.

As Jack and Joe were growing up, He was active coaching their various sports teams in Junior and Babe Ruth baseball and Pop Warner football. Jack was a founding member of the Lodi BOBS. As an adult, Jack enjoyed playing competitive flag football, recreation-league softball, and golf. He could be found rooting for each of his grandchildren and their respective sports teams, as they grew up. In 1981, Jack was inducted into the Lodi Sports Hall of Fame. He was an active fan of both the San Francisco 49ers and Giants, in both the good years and the bad.

In 2010, when he was 79 years old, Jack led a public/private campaign to save the Lodi Grape Bowl. Over a 3-year period, he alone raised $1.5 Million that was used for artificial turf, bleachers, lights and other stadium improvements.

The Family would like to thank the following for their care and compassion during the final months of Jack’s life; Dr. Ron Navone, Sara Mackedsy and the staff of Brookdale Memory Care, and Lorraine Stephney, Carolyne Carr, and Sarena Pearse of J&M Homecare Services.

MEMORIAL SERVICE
A memorial service for Jack Fiori will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 26th at First Baptist Church, 267 N. Mills Ave, Lodi, with a luncheon immediately following the service.

A private graveside service will be held at Lodi Memorial Park & Cemetery, at a later date. Funeral arrangements are by Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on Jack's behalf  to One-Eighty Programs at 180lodi.org

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Fiori family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial Park is a 501(c)13 non-profit company, owned and operated exclusively for the benefit of the community, serving Lodi, Stockton, Galt, Manteca and the San Joaquin Valley since 1940.

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