Cheryl Ravonne Young's Obituary
Scripture: James 1:12
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord promised to those who love Him.
On November 5, 2018, heaven opened it's gates and welcomed Cheryl Ravonne Young to receive her crown.
Affectionately known as the "Chocolate Baby Doll" to family, "Hank" to friends, and "Ra-Ra" to her grandchildren, Cheryl was born on May 8, 1959 to George E. and Thelma V. Young in Roanoke, Virginia. In 1968, the family moved to Annapolis, Maryland where Cheryl attended Anne Arundel County Public Schools, and graduated a year early from Annapolis Senior High in 1976.
Cheryl had a talent for graphic arts, always sketching on random pieces of paper or in notebooks. She once created an ornate mural on her bedroom wall, and also drew a self-portrait with remarkable likeness. She perfected her talent through years of study at art school.
In July 1981, Cheryl joined the U.S. Army where she served honorably as a Medical Specialist and was awarded an Army Service Ribbon. This honor was surpassed only by Cheryl's greatest joy: Motherhood.
Cheryl birthed two sons and four daughters, but she mothered a multitude. Everyone who knew Cheryl could attest to her caring nature. She nurtured with a sympathetic ear, sage advice, and constant encouragement. After she'd lift your spirits, she'd feed your body with some of the best tasting soulfood you've ever had (as Shirley Caesar would say, "You Name It!"). Then she'd groom you in the latest hairstyles, incorporating geometric designs way before their time, and send you on your way with a renewed confidence.
Cheryl was the best of mothers, but even if you weren't fortunate enough to be under the cover of her protective wing, you bore witness to her incredible strength. Cheryl had a quiet, stubborn strength that would take the imperceptible person off-guard if they dared to provoke her. Cheryl would engage a challenge with quiet reasonability, but if pushed, the encounter would end in striking defeat. Cheryl brought this same stubbornly determined spirit to her four-year fight against ovarian cancer. When most would surrender, Cheryl persevered. When most would complain, Cheryl spoke victory over her situation. No matter what the circumstance, Cheryl remained steadfast, unshakeable, and with an ever-present smile on her face. Her concern was never for herself, but for those she loved who continue her "Built Cheryl Tough" legacy of nurturing, encouragement, determination, and strength.
Cheryl was preceded in death by her father George E. Young, and her sisters Lillian Drake and Ronale Young-Smith. Cheryl leaves to cherish her memory her mother Thelma V. Young; two sons: Enjey Young and Cameron N'dugu-Gross; four daughters: Brandee, Tori (Chris Wiley), Channel, and Donnie Gross; honorary son Carroll "Quincy" Moulden; two step-daughters: Risa Gross and Artia White; two adopted niece-daughters: Shawnice and Kendall Young; former husband Calvin Gross; seven grandchildren: Khamari and Khayree Franklin, Ziare Gross, Tristan and Taylor Johnson-Eggleston, Kharley Moulden, Khaylee Manar, and Elisha Gray; two brothers: Ricardo (Cheryl) and George A. (Gwen) Young; three sisters: Ardis (Leonard) Jones, Danya (Tuwa Abdullah) Forrester, and Kelly Young; brother-in-law Ronald Smith; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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