Cheryl Renita Locksley-Grant

Cheryl was welcomed into this life on June 3, 1957 by her parents John Augustus and Venoye Thaxton Locksley in Washington, DC. Cheryl was the only child from this union. Cheryl gave her life to Christ in her youth and was a member and devout attendee of Shiloh Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. Her undeniable faith informed all of her decisions as she truly lived the word of God, loving each neighbor as thyself.

During her formative years, Cheryl studied Ballet with two different instructors for nine years at the Northeast Academy of Dance. Her Art projects garnered several awards and eventually led her to the flute. As a member of the marching band at Cardozo High School, Cheryl marched in several parades and performed during halftime shows at NFL games. Her skills on the flute also earned her a spot in the DC Youth Orchestra.

After graduating from Cardozo High School in 1975, Cheryl began a quest to find a good flute instructor. That journey brought her to Massachusetts for an audition at the Boston Conservatory. Once at the conservatory, she connected with Phil Kaplan, who just happened to be a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Kaplan or “Kappy” as she fondly referred to him, was the instructor she had hoped to find. It is important to note that all previous flute instructors were either clarinet or sax instructors, who played flute as a secondary instrument. Mr. Kaplan was a principal flute player at the highest level. At the time, he was the person that tested newly minted flutes made by the world renown Haynes Flute Company in Boston. Cheryl was a member of several elite performing groups at the conservatory. Everyone loved her tone, which separated her from her peers. They often thought it was the make of the flute she owned.

What her peers didn’t realize is what they were hearing was the goodness of Cheryl’s soul. Cheryl was kind to all she encountered and was genuine. The Cheryl you encountered the first time is the same Cheryl you would engage in conversation years later. Anyone lucky enough to have spent time with her one-on-one, will tell you how she made them feel special. She would listen to you and remember the most minute details. Years later, she could tell you exactly what you were wearing the first time she met you AND the hue of the colors you were wearing. Cheryl always wanted the best for you and would encourage you to be just that…YOUR BEST SELF.

Cheryl worked as an Executive Assistant at a variety of law firms in Boston over the years. Her most recent position was with a patent law firm. She developed a love for patent law and decided to go back to school to acquire an undergraduate degree in engineering and a law degree.

Shortly after beginning that journey, Cheryl’s parents became ill. First her dad, then her mom. She took time out to lovingly care for them for a total of ten years. After her parents passed away, Cheryl took some time to reflect on her life and made the decision to resume her education.

In September of 2018, Cheryl enrolled and began taking classes at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner, MA. Cheryl was an excellent writer. Several of her papers were published in the school’s newspaper. One of the many highlights during that experience was a featured article, highlighting her talents and skills. On May 19, 2021 she graduated from Mount Wachusett with Honors. She earned an Associate of Science degree in Media Arts and Technology.

In September of 2021, Cheryl enrolled and began taking classes at Fitchburg State University. She continued the excellent work she began at Mount Wachusett and was scheduled to graduate from Fitchburg State University in the spring of 2022 with a bachelor’s degree. She was exploring options to begin law school in the fall of 2022 when God called her home on January 5, 2022.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her father, John Augustus Locksley and her mother, Venoye Thaxton Locksley. Cherishing Cheryl’s loving memory is her husband, Anthony C. Grant, with whom she spent 40+ years, her brother Michael A. Locksley, her Aunt Clara Thaxton Hodge, cousins Ellen Locksley-Rounds, Wayne Lockley, Robert Lockley, II, Deborah Lockley, Paula Morrison, Cheryl Morrison, Karen Morrison Parker, her extended family, a host of caring friends and many kind acquaintances.

Condolences may be sent to the family at The Memory of Mrs. Cheryl Renita Locksley-Grant, P.O. Box 382383, Cambridge, MA 02238. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in her name to The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America-New England, 25 Braintree Hill Office Pk Suite 200, Braintree, MA 02184; Telephone: (781) 444-7778