Mr. Charles T.H. Dennis Jr., affectionately known as “Cha Cha,” passed away peacefully at his home in Washington, D.C., on February 21, 2026. Born on December 22, 1942, in Monrovia, Liberia, he was the son of Charles T.H. Dennis Sr. and Janide Elizabeth Freeman Dennis. His lineage connected him to the Dennis, Greene, Freeman, Acolatse, Cooper, Russ, and Krakue families.
Cha Cha’s early life was shaped by his father’s role as a territorial Revenue Agent and later 1st Representative of Margibi County in Liberia. This led to an educational journey across various schools, beginning at Government Kindergarten School in Monrovia and continuing at Ms. Corbin School in Kakata, St. Patrick’s Elementary School on Snapper Hill, and St. Christopher Elementary School in Kakata while living with his uncle H. Josephus Dennis. He graduated from Monrovia Demonstration Elementary School in 1958 under the guidance of Mrs. Zariah Jeffery’s Adorkor.
Cha Cha pursued secondary education at the College of West Africa (CWA), graduating in 1962. While at CWA, he excelled as a member of the Cadet Corps, achieving the rank of Captain, and served as the goalkeeper for the school football team during spirited matches against rivals like St. Patrick’s High School.
He was also active in the Hi-Y Club and Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) and nurtured a love for music through his singing group, “The Profiles,” which performed at various talent shows.
Cha Cha attended Cuttington College for two years before earning a scholarship to study agriculture in Copenhagen, Denmark. There, he obtained a degree in Animal Husbandry and returned to Liberia to fulfill his scholarship commitment by working at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Slaughter House on Gardnersville Road. In 1963, he was elected as the first President of the Houphouët-Boigny Club, fostering student exchange programs between the Republic of Liberia and the Republic of the Ivory Coast.
In 1976, Cha Cha joined the Liberia Produce Marketing Corporation (LPMC), where he worked alongside Joseph N. Boakai—now President of Liberia—to promote self-reliance and food security. He later served as Managing Director of the Liberian Cocoa and Coffee Corporation (LCCC) until civil unrest disrupted operations in 1990.
Beyond his professional achievements, Cha Cha was a passionate farmer who cultivated citrus fruits, oil palms, coffee, cocoa, rubber, and livestock on his farm along Lakata Road, Liberia. He generously shared his agricultural expertise with local farmers and established a barbecue pit where friends and family gathered to enjoy his culinary creations.
Cha Cha also loved the ocean and spent many weekends with family at Ceasar Beach in Liberia—a cherished spot for gatherings with members of his Literary Club.
His community involvement included serving as a Cub Scout leader with the Boy Scouts of Liberia and participating in YMCA programs that fostered youth development. A devout Christian, he served as an acolyte at Trinity Cathedral on Broad Street Monrovia.
After relocating to the United States in 1992, Cha Cha worked for Edgewood Management Corporation as an Accounts Manager until retiring in 2014. During his tenure, he mentored colleagues with his meticulous approach to record-keeping and accounting.
Cha Cha was predeceased by his parents Charles T.H. Dennis Sr. and Janide Freeman Dennis and his youngest brother James Nathaniel Dennis. He is survived by his beloved wife Woryeneh Youn-Dennis; stepchildren Elizabeth “Chuppee” Youn; Woryeneh & Deaweh Benson; DeVonte McCoy; MaLiyah Youn; his first wife Olive Coleman Dennis; their children Cianna L. Dennis; Charles T.H. Dennis III (Candy); Ciapha E. Dennis (Shelly); grandchildren Chaz Dennis; Chase Dennis; Calen Dennis; Christian Dennis-Slewion; Ciani Dennis; Ciapha E. Dennis Jr.; great-granddaughter Tiffany Dennis; Magdalena Campbell (mother of Chaka Dennis); Lucia Freeman (mother of Carmen Dennis); granddaughter Caryn Long; siblings Roseline E. Cooper; Granville Edward Freeman Dennis Sr. (Williametta); Mary Ellen Dennis; Miama Louise Wallace; Janide Serena Carter (George); Fannie Peso Dennis-Hamelin; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, friends, and clubmates.
Cha Cha will be remembered for his strength of character, kindness, courage, and unwavering dedication to family and community. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched during his remarkable journey. His presence will be deeply missed but forever cherished by all who knew him.
Funeral arrangements are scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2026 as follows:
Viewing: 9:00 – 10:00 AM Interment Service: 10:00 AM
Episcopal Church of Our Savior George Washington Cemetery
1700 Powder Mill Rd 9500 Riggs Road
Silver Spring, MD 20903 Adelphi, MD 20783
