Cherie Lyn Priest

Cherie Lyn Priest, beloved sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday November 23, 2025, in Manassas, Virginia.

Cherie was born on February 12, 1957, in Los Angeles, California to Norman and Darlene Richards. She graduated from Canoga Park High School in 1975 and attended College of the Canyons before starting her career as a film librarian at Universal Studios.

Cherie was the devoted wife of the late Gary L. Priest. Cherie met Gary at Universal Studios in 1983. They married in November 1988 and moved to Ft. Collins, Colorado to start a new life together. Gary worked for Nutri-Turf, a facility of Anheuser-Busch while Cherie started a new career as a medical office manager for healthcare practices in the area. They shared a life filled with laughter, adventure, and enduring love until Gary’s passing in March 2023.

She is survived by her loving siblings: sisters Charleen (Brent) Steeves, Cheryle (Greg) Robison, and Cathie (Dennis) Ray, and her brother Norman. Cherie was a proud and devoted aunt to many nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart and loved her dearly in return.

Cherie held a deep affection for her animals including five basset hounds, two horses, three cats, and two Bichons.

Cherie’s warmth, humor, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Cherie will be laid to rest next to her loving husband at Arlington National Cemetery. A private family memorial will be held to honor her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Cherie’s memory be made to the Purple Heart Foundation — something she would have deeply appreciated.