Cheryl Lynnette DePriest

Cheryl Lynnette DePriest was born on October 3, 1955, in Rosenberg, Texas to her parents, Minnie Lorene and Leonard Smith. She was raised with her siblings, Gail, Regina, Teresa, Billie, Lela, Donna, Tommy, Leonard and Colonious. After moving to Colorado, Cheryl attended Manual High School where she developed a solid blueprint for her future. After graduating, she furthered her studies at the University of Phoenix, where she earned her business degree and received numerous honors for her academic achievements.

Cheryl had a very successful career as an Executive Secretary, serving prominent figures such as Marilyn Vanderberg Atler and the Time Life Libraries, and later with the State of Colorado. Throughout her professional life, she performed her duties with excellence, earning the respect of colleagues. Marilyn Vanderberg was a very influential person in Cheryl’s life, she nourished and educated Cheryl for 55 years and they had a very close relationship.

Cheryl met a young man by the name of Kenneth Orville DePriest, they were joined in holy matrimony on July 23, 1979. To this union, Tomicka, Lonell, Camesia and Dedrick were born. Cheryl and Kenneth enjoyed many wonderful years together, fishing and attending outdoor events, Kenneth passed away in 2015.

A loving soul, Cheryl was known for her caring and supportive nature. She frequently attended her grandchildren's events and birthdays, always encouraging and cheering them on. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her family; she was a peacekeeper and a source of comfort to many. She was recognized for her loving, kind, and soft-spoken personality. A woman of faith, Cheryl was a devoted member of Unity Pentecostal Temple under the pastoral leadership of Dr. Odie Kennedy. Cheryl served on the hospitality committee, contributing her time and energy to support her church community.

In her free time, Cheryl enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including spending time with friends, fishing, and traveling. She found joy in playing games on her phone and spending time with family.

Cheryl Lynnette DePriest leaves behind treasured memories and a lasting impact on all who knew her. Her life, filled with love, dedication, and kindness, serves as a testament to the extraordinary woman she was. May her spirit continue to inspire and uplift others long after her passing.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Minnie Lorene McNeal and Bill McNeal; sister, Fatima El-Shabazz; brother, Colonious and great grandchild, Caliex Holt.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Tomicka DePriest; son, Lonell DePriest; sisters, Gail McConico, Regina Bradley, Teresa Ann Taylor, Billie Jean Broaden, Lela Taylor, Donna Ruth McNeal and Tommy Sene Bradshaw; brother, Leonard, grandchildren, Genevieve Inez Gallegos, Lonell DePriest, Jr., Anisah Holt, Makayla Lynnette DePriest, Daniel Alexander DePriest, and Ilisia Smith; great grandchildren, Sakoni Green,and a host of loving family and friends.