Pike Road, Alabama — The tight-knit Pike Road community is in deep sorrow after the sudden death of Chera Robinson Doty, a beloved kids minister at Century Church and cherished friend, wife, and community member. She died on January 15, 2026, following a serious car accident that left the town in shock and mourning.
Friends, neighbors, and church members learned that Chera was involved in a severe traffic collision caused by another driver’s negligence, which abruptly cut short her vibrant life and deep commitment to others. Her passing has left her family and the whole community heartbroken.
Chera was known around Pike Road for her warm heart, bright smile, and unwavering dedication to children and families. As the Kids Minister at Century Church, she poured her energy into making every child feel seen and loved, leading lessons, planning events, and spending countless hours supporting families. Parents often spoke about her joyful spirit and how children lit up when she entered a room.
Her influence didn’t stop at the church doors. Chera also worked with Pike Road Schools, supported local events through Party By The Yard – Pike Road, and served as a steady presence for families in good times and hard times alike. She was originally from Crestview, Florida, and turned Pike Road into a loving home with her husband, Phillip Doty.
Those who knew her best remember Chera for the simple, powerful way she showed up. She didn’t just teach kids; she ate lunch with them at school, cheered them on at events, and comforted adults facing crises. Her everyday gestures of kindness — from thoughtful gifts to heartfelt conversations — left lasting impressions on everyone she met.
One close friend recalled Chera’s rare ability to make people feel important just by being present. Whether celebrating a child’s achievement or offering a shoulder during tough moments, Chera never held back her compassion. That genuine kindness built deep bonds across Pike Road that now feel painfully fragile in her absence.
The community continues to share stories of the joy she brought into the lives of so many and the ways she transformed ordinary days into moments of connection. Her legacy lives on in the children she nurtured, the families she supported, and the countless small acts of love that defined her life.
People in Pike Road are coming together to remember her and support her family through grief, honoring a life that was full of love, service, and quiet strength. Her loss has left a void that words can barely touch, but her spirit continues to shine through the lasting memories she made with everyone lucky enough to have known her.
