Derwin Edward Cherry was a natural-born leader, role model and a multi-talented man who served his family, friends, profession, and community as an exemplar of excellence.  He was the oldest of two children born on August 13, 1960, to the late Rosalind A. Nickens Cherry and Dempsey Walter Cherry.  He transitioned to eternity on Saturday, August 16, 2025. 

He was nurtured in the Christian faith as a member of St. Lucille AME Zion Church. He later joined Metropolitan Baptist Church with his family and ultimately joined the Men’s Ensemble, as he joyfully worshiped in song with his father.

Derwin possessed an intractable thirst for knowledge and embodied the example of what is possible when brilliance and ability intersect with opportunity.  Derwin attended Concordia Lutheran Jr High, Archbishop John Carroll High School and matriculated at Eastern New Mexico University.  He was blessed with an outstanding career in the banking and financial services industry for over forty (40) years. He began as a bank courier at the former Independence Federal Savings Bank under the tutelage of William B. Fitzherald.  Over his career, he served in various roles of increasing responsibility, including appointments as an Assistant Vice President for Operations; Vice Present and BSA Officer; etc.  In 2022, Derwin retired serving as the Senior Vice President and Director of Compliance for City First Bank.  He blended his comprehensive knowledge of financial matters to earn two coveted industry certifications – the Community Bank Compliance Officer Certification and the BSA Officer Certifications in 2017 and 2011, respectively.   He was a member of the Security Association of Financial Institutions (SAFI), Virginia Bankers Association (VBA); Independent Community Bankers Association (ICBA), American Bankers Association (ABA); and served as a board member of his beloved Ft. Lincoln Homeowner’s Association. 

Derwin fully embraced his love of music by pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming a disc jockey, a feat that he accomplished in 2020. His ability to deliver a unique musical experience reached thousands of listeners across the United States and abroad.  He had a voracious and encyclopedic knowledge of various music genres, along with a wide-ranging interest in roller coasters, amusement parks and travel. 

Derwin’s love for his family and friends was without bounds.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Rosalind A. Nickens Cherry; sister Denise Cherry-Gaskins; nephew, Marcus L. Gaskins; and his grandmother, Rose C. Cherry.

Those who remain to rejoice in his love and honor his legacy include his father, Dempsey Walter Cherry of Washington, DC;  great nieces, Maleya and Auriya Petty of Carlisle, PA; a very special cousin Andrea B. Ollie of Columbia MD, very devoted friends Deidre Carson-Johnson of Fort Mill, SC; Carlos Galliamore of Stephens City, VA; and Thomas “Tommy” Leathers of Norfolk, VA; and a host of other relatives, extended family, friends, and colleagues.