More memories of Cheryl

• There have been few people as consistently dedicated to our community as Cheryl.

 

 

Rick Rosendall
 

• Cheryl was a friend to many of us at the Blade and we'll miss her dedication and sense of humor dearly. Her impressive body of work will help ensure that future generations of gay Washingtonians know their history. It's an important legacy and I'm honored to have known her.
 
Kevin Naff
Editor
Washington Blade
 
• Cheryl Ann Spector inspires us to love deeply, give unconditionally and to give it all you've got!!!  This is what she did.......in her 49 1/2 years, she lived a life for at least 5 people and she loved so many of us on her path.

Being her partner 20+ years ago was the ultmate of fun as we discovered our sexuality and enjoyed the excitment of the DC gay life in the 80's. Being one of her caretakers at the end of her life was truly an honor.  Cheryl had a determination and spirit that was what heroic stories are made of.  She was and will always be our hero......my hero.......my Cheri.

Her loss is gut wrenching and unbelieveable yet she offers us an opportunity to see the gifts she has left for all of us to reach for and take into our souls.

Cheryl has built a bridge, a universal bridge for all of us to cross.  A place where we can all find peace.......that peace is right here in our community....among each other.........embracing our differences.....honoring our gifts..........loving each other.  This is the Cheryl that I have always known.  Reach out, grab her hand and she will continue to show us the way to unconditional acceptance, as long as we stop at Freddie's along the way!!!!

Thank you dear Cheryl for all that you have given. My love for you will always be alive and in my heart.

I love you, Cheryl...................always, Betsy........xoxoxoxo
 

Two of King Wolfy's and my favorite memories of Cheryl were First at Kings Vs. Queens Family Fude at Colbolt. Cheryl was so into it dressed up as Dick Hurtz.  For me at first my reaction was wow she had the biker/leather look down to every detail complete with chest hair and flogger.  I don't think I can ever say I had ever seen her half as happy or gleaming then that day.  The second memory was at a God-Des & She show at the University of Maryland.  Cheryl arrived kind of late with her famous video camera in hand.  But she was blown away.  She grabbed me by the arm wrapped her arm around me and said "Your girls are going to be big someday. Trust me you are lucky to know them and be friends with them."  Then a few months later at the Pride Collision Dance Party at LOVE nightclub (which sadly was the last time Wolfy & I saw Cheryl :( ) She was standing by the right of the stage.  I was walking by with God-Des and she said to God-Des "If it wasn't for this girl I don't think some of these people would have any idea who you guys are." God-Des was like yea then walked backstage.  Then Cheryl turned to me and said "I tell you they really are doing thing s for our community.  I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds for them and getting their new cd."  I smirked and said yea you never know and Wolfy said yea they are gonna hit it big & be on MTV.  Gosh its sad to think that was the last time I saw her:(   Well today I messaged my friends God-Des & She (it seemed to be the right thing to do at the time) to nofify them of a fans passing. God-Des responded quickly saying "That she will be in her thoughts."  Then additionally she said that it was just horrible & extended her condolences to our community.

Well Cheryl we will both miss you!  You were a warrior for us but just like every great warrior there always be one battle in life you cannot conquer and this was one.  May God Bless you and may our prayers & thoughts bring comfort to your family in their time of need  and may they bring healing to this community.  Then may your colorful legacy & work carry on for years to come! Rest in Peace!

-- King Brooklyn Baller & King Wolfy

 

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