Cherry Maxwell began her life journey on May 28, 1956, in Cleveland, Ohio. She was born to the late Alfred Gray and Mary Aikens.  She made her transition from her earthly home on April 7, 2025. She was preceded in death by two siblings Maryann Mosely Aikens and Sophia Aikens.

She was a part of a large family.  That family consisted of 11 children which consisted of 10 girls and 1 boy. She was the third oldest child. The family lived there formative years on Woodlawn Avenue.  She received her education through the Cleveland Public School system and received her diploma from John Hay in 1975.  After graduating from John Hay high school, she attended Cleveland State and Cuyahoga Community College.

Cherry began her professional career at University Hospital, main campus. While there, in 1979, she met Kenneth Maxwell, who was working their part time in the evening.  On June 19, 1982, they were joined in holy matrimony at Holy Trinity Baptist Church.  Through this union, they were blessed with two daughters, Arika and Alisha.

As a young adult, Cherry gave her life to Christ.  She joined Holy Trinity Baptist Church which was under the pastorate of the late Rev. Dr. Henry Payden. She was a faithful and active member.

Cherry worked at University Hospital as a Cash Application Clerk for 41 years and retired in 2018. After she retired and before her illness, she worked part time as a UBER and pizza delivery driver.

She was always laughing, loved to spend time with family and friends, made German chocolate cakes, and in her later years developed a love for crocheting.  She crocheted purses, hats, scarves and would give them to her support group and medical personnel.

Cherry leaves to cherish her memory her lifetime companion and husband, Kenneth Maxwell, her dear children Arika and Alisha Maxwell, grandchildren: Macayla Williams, MacArthur Williams, and Aubrey Charles. Her loving mother Mary Aikens and Sisters: Barbara Hayes, Juanita Aikens (Vance Goodman), Annette Aikens, Sundy Aikens, Robin Aikens, Assondra Aikens, Odessa Aikens-Davis (John Davis), Nannette Blount, Kulara Blount, and Brother: Ricky Aikens, and a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many loving friends.