Cheryl Hope Taylor Diagne

Transforming Communities through Sisterhood and Service was one slogan used for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority's centennial year celebration, however it is a testament to Cheryl Hope Taylor Diagne and how she lived her life to the fullest. On the evening of August 7, 2016 hope diminished, and Cheryl was called to Glory by our Lord and Savior at the tender age of fifty-two following her courageous battle against diabetes. Born in Fort Riley, Kansas on January 12, 1964, Cheryl is the fourth of five children (Robert, Carlester, Rene, and Edna), born to serviceman Lacy Taylor and Doris Mae McClure Taylor. Military duty moved the Taylor family to places like: Kansas, Germany and Kentucky until 1973, when her parents divorced, and her Mother relocated her children back to her hometown of San Antonio, Texas. A proud product of San Antonio's Eastside, Cheryl attended public schools at Gates Elementary, Jeff Davis Junior High, and Sam Houston High where she was very active in the marching band, student newspaper and student government. A proud Cherokee (school mascot), Cheryl graduated from Sam Houston High School in the Class of 1981. Her humble beginnings combined with an active community activist mother, meager neighborhood surroundings, educational mentors, religious faith, and family friendships help shape Cheryl into the person she grew up to become curious, confident, compassionate, constructive, clear-sighted and full of love. With an unforgettable smile. College aspirations led Cheryl to the University of Texas at Arlington, (UTA) where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications (RATV). While at UTA she was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated through the Lambda Chi Chapter on November 29, 1982. Her line sisters called themselves the "Four Intense Images of Integrity." Cheryl's name was "Perfection." While at UTA she served as a representative on the Pan Hellenic Council where she was the first African American Officer. Cheryl is a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and throughout the past 34 years she served several chapters including, Atlanta Alumnae; Stone Mountain-Lithonia Alumnae; and most recently the East Point/College Park Alumnae. In her Delta lifetime, Cheryl held several offices including corresponding secretary and committee chairperson. She served on numerous committees included Founder's Day, International Day of Service, Social Action/Political Awareness, and the 46th National Convention in Atlanta, GA. As a dedicated member she also helped to establish the "Deltas at Delta" a professional networking program at Delta Airlines. After receiving her Bachelor's Degree, she was employed by The Xerox Corporation, and began her journey in Corporate America. In 1988, she was transferred from the financial division to Arlington, Virginia to continue her work and training with the company as a Customer Relations representative. She took advantage of the Xerox/American University educational partnership and received a Master's of Science degree in Human Resource and Organizational Development in 1995. During which time, she also completed a bucket list item; trained and ran 17.75K miles in the Marine Core Marathon. A travel enthusiast, full of adventure led to her next career path in the field of aviation. She began her career at Delta Airlines, Incorporated in Washington, DC as part-time Customer Service Agent. In 1996 she became a Human Resource Consultant at Delta Airlines, Inc. where she remained until her death. Cheryl loved Delta Airlines and took advantage of the perks of working within the airline industry, traveling to places such as: Senegal, China, England, and the Caribbean. She excelled with the company and won numerous awards over her 20-year career with Delta Airlines. A people person to the core, Cheryl developed extensive relationships with a magnitude of friends whom she has welcomed into her life as family over the past 50 years. She has traveled the world, participated in numerous Delta Sigma Theta conferences/conventions, and graciously acted in the role of mentor, auntie, advisor, and confidant to countless friends and family members. No stranger left an encounter with Cheryl without becoming a friend. A blind date led Cheryl to meet the love of her life. She was introduced to Pathe Diagne, a native of Senegal, West Africa, at a SM-LAC Lyrics & Linen concert in 2010. A brief courtship, lead to Holy Matrimony on May 5, 2012. "Meeting Cheryl has been the highlight of my life." commented her loving husband. Their big wedding celebration brought together friends and family from around the globe. Cheryl was elated again in 2014 to unite her friends and family under one roof when she extravagantly celebrated her 50th birthday in Atlanta. A member of Salem Bible Church, Cheryl is preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Edna "Tweetie" Taylor, brother Rene Wormley. She is survived by: her husband Pathe Diagne and their children she loved Ibrahima and Aminata, brother Robert Smith, Sr., sister Carlester Taylor, Chasity Bufford (daughter/niece), Rachel Jackson (granddaughter) and many more nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, lifelong friends, Delta coworkers, clients, classmates whom she loved dearly. She held a sacred place in her heart for her cherished sisters of Delta Sigma Theta. A life lived with passion and promise, it is apparent that Cheryl Hope Taylor has had a positive impact on numerous people across the country. Based on the countless sentiments, and outpouring of loving testimonials that she received during her extensive health challenges. She leaves this physical life with abundant love, admiration and grace. Praise God for her time on earth with us and also for a life well lived!