Cashmear Deenay Marshall, age 27, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with lupus.
Born on December 1, 1997, in Chicago, Illinois, to Martha Maria Smith, Cashmear lived a life marked by determination, compassion, and creativity.
A proud graduate of Prosser Career Academy (Class of 2016), Cashmear went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies from Northeastern University. Her passion for helping others led her to pursue a Master’s in Public Health from Baylor University, which she proudly completed in 2024.
Throughout her academic journey, Cashmear worked tirelessly in a variety of roles — from Real Estate Assistant and ABA Therapist to Care Coordinator. Her entrepreneurial drive was evident in everything she did, whether babysitting, tutoring, or building her own ventures. A gifted writer, she was a published author, with her second book in progress, and the founder of a Government Contracting business — a true reflection of her ambition and versatility.
In 2021, Cashmear met her fiancé, Pedro Gutierrez Jr., at the Emerald Isle in Chicago. Together, they built a relationship grounded in love, laughter, and shared dreams. Pedro’s steadfast devotion and care remained constant through every challenge, surrounding her with love until her final moments.
Cashmear was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Martha M. Smith, and her cherished grandmother, Lillian G. Kyles. She will be deeply missed by her fiancé, family, and countless friends who were blessed to know her radiant spirit and kind heart.
A celebration of Cashmear’s life will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Park Ridge, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lupus Research Alliance in her memory.