Cheryl Malinda Hilburn

Cheryl Malinda Scarborough was born on August 6th, 1943, to Jr. and Maxine Scarborough. She had a brother, Johnny, who was 10 years younger and she loved him dearly. She grew up in Sweeney, TX south of Houston. Cheryl attended Sweeney High School where she was crowned Homecoming Queen in 1961. She caught the eye of the neighbor boy, Jimmy Rodgers, and they were married on June 17, 1961. They moved to Odessa, Texas to start their life together and had 3 sons, James Keith, Stephen Dwayne and Damon Paul. In her 20’s she decided she wanted to go to nursing school and had to get her driver’s license first. She then enrolled in nursing school and became a LVN. In her 40’s Cheryl went back to nursing school and became an RN. She had a career in nursing that spanned 40 plus years. She was the perfect example of hard work and dedication to a field she cherished. 

Cheryl never met a stranger and loved everyone and all who knew her loved her exuberance for life. She was a pro at living life to the fullest. She married Beryl Hilburn on May 15, 1992, and they enjoyed 24 years of marriage. Her children adored her and they all have fond memories of trips to Mexico and fantastic Halloween parties. Cheryl was Dr. Doolittle as well. Always taking in a stray cat and kitten, raising sheltie dogs, pugs and canaries. She had a host of pet turtles that came running when she hollered for them in the summer. Cheryl even became a gardener after retirement. 

She loved shopping and wearing beautiful clothes and accessories. Never left the house without hair, makeup and nails perfect! She loved antiques and had many collections of “cute darling things”. 

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents and late husband Beryl Hilburn. She is survived by her brother Johnny Scarborough and Cindy, her children, Keith Rodgers of Odessa, TX, Steve Rodgers and wife Jodie of El Paso, TX, and Paul Mapes and wife Heather of Midland TX., grandchildren, Zac, Tori, Courtney, Jackson, Logan, Carson, Dillon and 5 great grandchildren. Our lives have all been touched by a little bit of wonderful by having her and we will miss her. 

Pallbearers: Zac Rodgers, Jackson Rodgers, Logan Mapes, Carson Rodgers, Dillon Mapes

Visitation Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 12pm-2pm, Funeral following at 2pm. Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home 6801 E. Business 20, Odessa, TX 79762. 432-362-2331