Cheryl Bembery Darden

Cheryl was a brilliant colleague and friend. As a leader in the early intervention movement she championed programs, services and strategies to transform educational opportunities for children and families. Without her insightful, diligent mental, spiritual and emotional intelligence we could not have been successful in establishing the foundation of educational systems change for children from birth to three in Los Angeles County. At the beginning of our bold initiative she approached me...

I will always remember Cheryl for the smile on her face, her words of wisdom, and her love for her girls. I was always welcomed into her home with a smile and a warm greeting. She never failed to have advice for us in our high school years on how to deal with friends, boys and just life in general. She was a wonderful mother who cared for her girls and her love for them was apparent! I will always have sweet memories of her. May she rest in peace. Much love to Gerry and Stacey and their...

For the good times, the not so good times and the never to be again times. I miss you like crazy. I always loved you,I still do. I will cherish your memory for the test of my life.Your sister, Sharon

July 6, 2016

I received information regarding Cheryl's passing yesterday when I returned from the the 4th of July holiday. I am so glad that today someone sent me a link to Cheryl's memory book. I wanted to share with you the positive impact she had on me, the Head Start Program, and our clients.

Cheryl was truly a kind and introspective person. She had a great sense of humor and lots of compassion for others. Program improvement was always on her mind. This was evidenced by...

"Cheryl was my immediate Supervisor and the best manager of my department at the Los Angeles County Office of Education/Head Start-State Preschool Division/Parent & Governance Unit, since 1999-2006".
She always respected and appreciated my work in many ways. I learned so much from her. She's was not only my best manager, but she was also my best mentor.
In Deepest Sympathy :/
Though you've already been through so much.....
Hope you know everyone's caring thoughts are with you now,...

I am saddened by this news. Cheryl was brilliant. I learned so much from her.

Cheryl was a true friend and co-worker at the LACOE Head Start office. I enjoyed working directly with Cheryl on many projects and I know she loved the work she did for all of the children and families we served. Her insight into the work we did was truly blessed and the many lunches we shared together will always be remembered. We were fellow Pennsylvanians and enjoyed talking about the where to get the best Philly Cheesesteaks and what markets in California were now selling TastyKakes! ...