In Memoriam: Cheryl Kiel David

Cheryl Kiel David

May 8, 1962 – April 10, 2026

Cheryl Kiel David died on a beautiful sunny day, surrounded by family, after a three-year battle with Carcinosarcoma. She fought with everything she had; she was determined, resilient, and unwavering in her pursuit of every possible path forward. True to who she was at her core, Cheryl left no stone unturned. One of her greatest wishes was to live long enough to see her youngest daughter marry, and through her strength and sheer will, she was able to witness that moment, a memory her family will cherish forever.

Born at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, Cheryl was the daughter of Judith and Gerald Kiel. As the child of a military father, her early years were marked by frequent moves and new schools, shaping her resilience, adaptability, and remarkable ability to connect with others.

She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for her undergraduate studies, where her “claim to fame” was living in the same dorm as Michael Jordan. She liked to comment on the striking height difference when they stood together in the cafeteria line.

After college, Cheryl attended law school at the University of Baltimore, where she earned her Juris Doctor degree, becoming a third generation attorney. She began her legal career as an administrative judge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, where she was able to help others in a way that reflected one of her deepest values, a commitment to fairness. After her time in Baltimore she relocated to Greensboro, North Carolina, with her husband, where she worked as a litigator.

In 1996, Cheryl was selected by renowned trial attorney Gerry Spence to attend the Trial Lawyers College. During her time at his Wyoming ranch, she spent transformative time refining her craft and reflecting on her purpose. While she excelled in the intensity and mental focus of trial work, she ultimately realized she wanted a path that allowed her to serve others deeply while remaining present for her family.

After the birth of her third child, Cheryl made the pivotal decision to shift her focus exclusively on estate planning, an area she had always felt called to. In doing so, she found her life’s work.  She founded the Law Offices of Cheryl David, where for more than thirty years she helped tens of thousands of North Carolina families protect what matters most. With compassion, wisdom, and unwavering dedication, she guided clients through estate planning, elder law, and probate. She believed deeply that protecting your family is one of the most important things you can do, and she lived that belief every day through her work.

Her daughter, Blaire McClanahan of North Carolina, has served as Managing Partner of the firm for the past three and a half years under Cheryl’s guidance. Today, she proudly carries forward her mother’s legacy, leading with the same compassion, thoughtful counsel, and deep commitment to client care and family-centered service.

An avid reader, early adopter, and lifelong learner, Cheryl loved research, meaningful conversation, and connecting people with each other. She cared deeply for each of her clients and practiced what she preached, ensuring that her own legacy, and the firm she built, would continue to serve families for generations to come.

Cheryl is survived by her husband of 39 years, Mark Davidowitz; her three beloved children, Blaire (George) McClanahan, Jake Davidowitz, and Jennifer (Joseph) Kuperman of Austin, Texas; and her cherished grandson, Benny McClanahan, who knew her as “Gigi.” She is also survived by her parents, Judith and Gerald Kiel; and her brothers, Michael Kiel and Gregory (Bernadette) Kiel. She was preceded in death by her dear sister, Jennie.

Cheryl leaves not only her family and friends, but an entire community of clients whose lives she touched. She also leaves behind her beloved team at the Law Offices of Cheryl David, whom she considered to be her family, and her many friends and colleagues at the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. Her passing is a profound loss for North Carolina and beyond, and her legacy will live on through the countless families she helped and the work she so passionately built.