Cherie Depass-Maynes

With deep sorrow and enduring love, we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Cherie Lorna Marie Depass-Maynes, who departed this life on July 16, 2025, at the age of 75 due to health complications. Her transition has left a profound void in the hearts of her family, friends, and community.

Cherie was the devoted and cherished wife of Clarence Randolph Maynes, a loving sister to Gail Sealy and Marjorie McDonald, and a nurturing aunt, great-aunt, step-mother, sister-in-law, friend, and confidante whose generosity and unwavering support touched countless lives.

Cherie was also a well-loved member of the Glenwaye Gardens community in Glenmont, Maryland, where she lived for over 30 years. On any given day, she could be seen greeting neighbors and providing guidance to the neighborhood children.

Born on March 25, 1950, in St. Andrew, Jamaica, W.I., to Veronica Marie and Adolphus Depass, Cherie received her early education at St. Hugh’s High School and St. Hilda’s Diocesan High School, later pursuing professional studies at Duff’s Business College in Jamaica. Her Jamaican roots remained central to her identity, expressed in her enduring love for reggae music, traditional cuisine, and vibrant culture.

A woman of intellect and compassion, Cherie dedicated her early career to advancing adult education in Jamaica through her work with the Jamaica Adult Literacy Program, where her commitment earned her a scholarship to Goldsmiths College in London, U.K.

In 1978, she emigrated to Washington, D.C., where she embarked on a impactful career at The George Washington University Hospital, serving as Chief Administrative Associate in the Department of Nursing.

In 1980, she met the love of her life, Clarence Maynes, and together they built a life rooted in mutual devotion, shared purpose, and enduring affection.

Cherie possessed a boundless curiosity and a deep commitment to substantive knowledge, developing expertise in fields as diverse as medicine, biology, and nutrition. She was the trusted source of counsel for many who turned to her for guidance on medical diagnoses and remedies, earning a quiet reputation as an effective advisor. Socially conscious, Cherie quietly funded the higher education of underprivileged youth in Jamaica and medical care for struggling families in Kenya. She consistently extended herself in service to others—whether family, friend, or stranger.

Cherie will be remembered for her relational connection, an embrace of others with genuine interest and empathy, her sharp wit, generosity of spirit, and deep well of kindness. Of deep Christian faith, Cherie embraced a more inclusive spirituality than formal, religious practice. She is survived by her beloved husband Clarence Randolph Maynes; sisters Gail Sealy and Marjorie McDonald; step-son Marcellus Maynes; sister-in-law Leah Sanchez; nieces: Simonne, Jhanice, and Cheriee; nephews: Brett, Theodore Che Shikuri, and Barrington; great-nieces: Dara and Morgan; great-nephews: Jordan, Graeme, Nathaniel, Toure, Blake, and Jonathan; extended family, in-laws, and a wide circle of dear friends across Jamaica, the United States, and Africa.

She now rests at one with the Infinite, reunited with her beloved parents, grandmother, and ancestors. May her soul soar and may her memory forever be a blessing.

‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

Honoring Cherie’s Legacy

Those who wish to honor Cherie’s memory are invited to make a contribution to The Shikuri Project: Health for Kenyan Kids with Sickle Cell Anemia, a cause that was profoundly close to her heart.

The Shikuri Project is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to reducing child mortality caused by sickle cell disease in underserved communities in Kenya—particularly among children under the age of five. The organization provides life-saving care and medications through outreach clinics. Your generous donation will help continue this vital mission.

To Donate click the links below.

All contributions are tax-deductible, and you will receive a letter of acknowledgment for your records.

Cherie’s legacy of compassion and commitment lives on through this work.