Cheryl Goldring

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

The day before she died, Cheryl Daphene Rainey Goldring shared a message of faith with the world.

“God I trust you. For you are in charge of my life and all of my affairs and I fully trust him to bring forth my highest goods.”

Hours later, the Waldorf mother, grandmother, wife, cousin, friend, church pillar, coworker, and community heartbeat would be gone—leaving behind a shockwave of grief that continues to spread across Maryland and every timeline she ever touched.

Goldring died suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday, Nov. 26, while cooking for her family. The loss hit like a punch to the chest for everyone who knew her, because she wasn’t just part of the family. 

She was the pulse.

Her son Daniel has been grieving out loud in the days since, posting messages that show just how deep this loss runs. 

“Please come back. Please baby… I love you,” he wrote. “I miss you, Ma… I just want my best friend back.”

He’s not alone. The disbelief has been echoing through the family nonstop. 

Cousin Keisha McMillan Rainey said she didn’t want to answer the phone when it rang late that night. She knew the call would be bad news—she just didn’t expect it to be Goldring. 

She described her as someone who always wanted to help anyone, the cousin who could dress, dance, celebrate, coordinate weddings, and make you laugh on days you didn’t think you could.

Another cousin, Terri Whittle-Ferguson, said she was still at a loss for words and asked the community to lift Goldring's family in prayer. 

Friends who knew her for decades said the news stopped them in their tracks. Beth Haack Thompson said Goldring worked for years with her mother at McKay’s in Charlotte Hall and stayed in touch long after. She found out the morning after Thanksgiving and said the shock made her realize how short life really is.

For some people, Goldring wasn’t just a friend or cousin. She was a second mother. Stephen Thornton said she called or texted him monthly just to check on him and his family. He hasn’t stopped crying since he learned she was gone.

Others talked about the parts of Goldring's personality that brought people together—the snacks, the couponing tips, the advice, the car rides, the heart-to-hearts. 

Shanaé Fitzhugh said she didn’t want to face the reality of losing her. She thanked Goldring for listening, for loving her, for showing up. She said Goldring radiated so brightly that even the sun would be jealous.

Her friendships stretched across years and platforms. Rinnee Jamison said Goldring “just posted yesterday” and talked about how she’ll miss their Facebook chats and their football banter—Goldring cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Rinnee for the Washington Commanders. She said she’ll miss her “big sis” terribly.

Goldring wasn’t just rooted in family—she was rooted in her faith. 

Jordan Baptist Church in Capitol Heights was home for her and for her loved ones. Keisha Lee said Goldring was the kind of person who made the church feel warm and welcoming, with hugs, smiles, a love for event planning, dancing, cooking, and a heart dedicated to service. Her passing left a hole the holiday season couldn’t hide.

Her community connections ran deep. 

New Image Community Baptist Church shared condolences and noted her role as Walker House Property Manager. She was also a Resident Service Coordinator at Quantum Real Estate Management, LLC, and had past ties to McKay’s. 

Everywhere she worked, she built relationships. Everywhere she went, she left people better than she found them.

Her family is now raising funds for a homegoing service that reflects who she was: joyful, bright, full of spirit, full of love. 

They want to honor her with the same energy she poured into everyone else’s celebrations. The Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Dec. 13, at Jordan Baptist Church, with visitation at 10 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m. Interment will be private.

And through all the tributes, one moment keeps rising to the top—the Facebook post she shared the day before she died. 

A message of trust, surrender, and faith. A message from a woman who lived her life believing in something bigger than herself. A message her family and friends are now holding onto as they navigate loss no one was ready for.

The GoFundMe can be found here.

"Cheryl was not just a person; she was a celebration. She was always the life of the party and the biggest, most unwavering supporter of everyone she loved," Antonyo Plater said. "Her infectious laughter, vibrant energy, and boundless love made every moment with her feel special."

"We are reaching out for support to cover the unexpected costs of the funeral and memorial services," organizers wrote. "We want to honor her memory with a service as big and bright as her personality."

"Please share this with anyone who knew and loved Cheryl. Let's come together to celebrate her life, just as she celebrated all of ours."