(1936 – 2015)
Barbara Cherellia spent her career with Extension developing and evaluating a 4-H leadership program to ensure youth received the best education possible. She spent much of her career identifying, recruiting, training, and evaluating 4-H volunteer leaders to ensure they had the educational materials and tools to effectively teach 4-H to youth.
She also trained Extension employees in leadership skills and assisted them in using 4-H leadership information and resources, thereby extending the mission of Extension and 4-H to youth and adults. After serving on the Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Leaders Forum planning committee, she began the Alabama 4-H Leader Forum that continued for many years recognizing adults working with youth throughout the state.
Mrs. Cherellia joined Extension in 1958 and served in various capacities, including work in Franklin, Colbert, and Madison counties, before moving to the state headquarters in 1968. Before joining Extension, she taught school for two years.
A native of Lawrence County, she is a graduate of the University of North Alabama and Louisiana State University. She also received a specialist degree from Auburn.
Barbara Cherellia was inducted into the Alabama 4-H Wall of Fame in 2008.
She is survived by her husband, George Cherellia, and many friends and family.
The Alpha Pi Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi honors and recognizes Mrs. Barbara O. Cherellia by placing her name on the dedicatory plaque of the Memorial Chapel.
Chapel Plaque Inscription Number: 596
