Cheryl Gaskins

Cheryl Alexis Gaskins was born September 5, 1958 in Frankfurt, Germany.  She was the sixth child of Phyliss Queen, her mother, and Army Major (Retired) James C. Queen, her father.  Her parents had seven children all together: Jackie, Tommy, Jeffrey, Reginald, Deborah, Cheryl and David Queen.  In 1959, the Queens moved back to the United States while Cheryl was an adolescent to the nation’s capital: Washington, D.C.  The Queen family moved to 826 Emerson Street N.W. Washington, D.C., where she spent her entire childhood and part of her adult life.  As a child and teenager, she attended St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church and School in Washington. D.C. from 1963 to 1972, while graduating from the institution in 1972.  Her high school years were spent attending Ursuline Academy High School for Women in Bethesda, MD from 1972 to 1976.  She graduated from the school in 1976.  She decided to attend Chamberlayne College in Boston, MA with her older sister Deborah.  She earned an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts as a Den’s List student from 1977 to 1978. 

A year later, Cheryl moved back to Washington, D.C. as a young adult to work at Industrial Bank as a bank teller.  In 1981 she married Mitchell Gaskins, her previous husband. On June 24, 1981 and November 9, 1984 respectively, she welcomed her two wonderful sons, Jermaine and Gabriel, who were the most important part of her life.  In 1984, she began her long career in the U.S. Postal Service as a mail hander, which she worked for until 2004.  In 2009, she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and with the help of Bishop Alphonso Way at Faith Assembly of Christ Church in Washington, D.C.  In 2018, she moved to Tampa, Florida to be closer to family and worked various jobs.  After only three years of residing in Florida, she passed away in her apartment on Wednesday, June 24, 2021 in Tampa at the age of 62 years old.

 Cheryl enjoyed relaxing at home watching Turner Classic movies, spending time with loved ones and challenging people to a card game of Bid Whist.  She was a huge Washington Football Team (Redskins) fan and loved supporting her city. Cheryl enjoyed life and encouraged others to view life with humor and gratitude. She was a woman who could make you laugh and smile.  She overcame serious situations with humor.  She will be remembered for her light-hearted approach to life and her unfailing love and care for her family and friends.

 Cheryl Alexis Gaskins is survived by her two sons Jermaine and Gabriel Gaskins, her former husband Mitchell Gaskins, her daughter-in-law Christie Gaskins, two grandsons Gabriel Gaskins II and Christien Gaskins, her brothers Reginald and David Queen and her sister, Deborah Sears.  She was the aunt of many nephews and nieces, as well as a beloved cousin.  Cheryl inherited many friends throughout her childhood and adulthood from her neighborhood, different schools and workplaces.  She was truly a blessing to many people who personally knew her. 

Cheryl was a woman of God, who was kind, warm-hearted and humble during tough times as well as good ones.  She was a woman who endured longsuffering and much affliction but was full of faith.  Cheryl suffered many hardships, but she overcame them with love in her heart.  She overcame evil with good.  She always saw beauty in the madness.  We love you Cheryl and you will truly be missed.  May you rest in peace in the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ.  You have inspired and blessed many.  Amen.  

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