SERVICES: 2 PM WEDNESDAY AT PARK PLACE BAPTIST CHURCH
BURIAL: BRANDON MEMORIAL GARDENS
VISITATION: 5-8 PM TUESDAY AT OTT AND LEE IN BRANDON AND 1 PM WEDNESDAY AT PARK PLACE BAPTIST CHURCH
Sherry, 68, triumphed over breast cancer and met Jesus on February 1, 2015, after passing away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband of forty-nine years, Thomas “Tom” W. Case, and her daughters, Stacy Case-Stout (Chris) and Stephanie Case Edgar (Robbie); her brother, Samuel “Sam” Heath (Jan); and her sister, Kelli Berry (Dennis Smith). She is also survived by her grandchildren, whom were her greatest joys in life: Sheron “Grace” Stout; Thomas “Heath” Stout; and Robert “Bobby” Michael Edgar, III. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Sherry was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi on September 11, 1946, to Sam and Arma Heath. After meeting Sherry in high school, Tom proudly announced to a friend that he would marry her one day. This statement became a reality in 1965 when they married and began a devoted, loving relationship that spanned nearly one-half century.
A faithful servant of Christ, Sherry was active in her church, Park Place Baptist Church, and in the Agape Sunday School Class.
Sherry worked at F.W. Williams State Agency and United States Fidelity & Guaranty Insurance Company (“USF&G”) for thirty years, becoming the first female in USF&G history to achieve the Certified Property Casualty Underwriting (“CPCU”) designation. She went on to share her knowledge of the insurance industry with the next generation, teaching insurance courses to many. Following retirement, she became active in many social clubs including the Potpourri Craft Club, a number of bunko groups, and the Sassy Sisters Chapter of the Red Hat Society.
Sherry adored her three grandchildren and loved being their “Nana Mom”. Before she even had grandchildren, she was already making plans for her annual “Nana and Papa’s camp”. She took each child for a week or more and spoiled them relentlessly. In addition to Nana and Papa’s camp, she loved spending time with her grandchildren, going to their programs, cheering them on in sporting events and taking trips with them.
Sherry had a green thumb and particularly enjoyed growing and trading flowers and plants with other gardening enthusiasts. Her grandchildren affectionately called her backyard “Nana’s Jungle”.
Sherry was a genuine counselor and problem solver for anyone in need. She had such a tender heart for those around her and was a great listener and friend to all. She left an indelible mark on everyone she met and showed everyone around her the real meaning of true grit. She relentlessly battled Crohn’s Disease for her entire adult life but never let it stop her. She beat breast cancer twenty-three years ago, and it returned in November 2014, ultimately claiming her life, despite a courageous fight.
Sherry was a true Southern lady with an unparalleled quick wit who left this world a better place. Though the world is a dimmer place without her, her strong spirit lives on in those that love her most.
The family extends special gratitude to the oncology nurses at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center for the excellent care they rendered to her after being hospitalized towards the end of her fight with cancer. Additional gratitude is offered to Nicole Cleveland, M.D.; George T. Smith-Vaniz, M.D.; Van Lackey, M.D.; Avinash Gulanikar, M.D.; and Lori Fulton, M.D. for their care and compassion in treating Sherry. The family also thanks Sherry’s caregivers, Flora Bilbrew; Annie Smith and Doris Myers, for the compassionate care they provided to Sherry in her final days.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, Mississippi. Visitation is at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Services will be held at Park Place Baptist Church on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at 2:00 PM with Dr. Keith Grubbs officiating. The family will receive visitors prior to the funeral service at 1:00 PM.
Pallbearers are Arnold Jackson, Larry Brewer; Jack Middleton, Robert Branning, Alvin Rush, Charles Yates, Danny Smith, Morris Gray and Ray Cumberland. Following services at Park Place Baptist Church, Sherry will be interred at Brandon Memorial Gardens.
Please view our online guestbook at www.ottandleefuneralhome.com.