Joe Lorraine Sherrill
Published 3:04 pm Thursday, September 2, 2010
Joe Lorraine Estes Sherrill (Mrs. John H.), 92, of Pensacola died peacefully at home following a stroke on August 30, surrounded by her family.
Her husband John Hall Sherrilll, Jr.; her two sisters, Mary Estes Hill and Angeline Estes Dixon and her great grandson, John Michael Hale, preceded her in death.
She is survived by four children, daughter, Jean Sherrill Hale with grandson Michael Hale (Amanda), great grandchildren Nealy Hale, Davis Hale, Ethan Hale and Luke Hale; daughter Rita Sherrill Salter (Mickey) with grandson Bernie Salter (Christy), great granddaughters Kloe and Macy, grandson Sy Salter (Trinity, expecting in few days), grandson Mitchell Salter, and grandson Joe Salter (Cheryl, expecting); daughter Susan Sherrill; son John Hall Sherrill III with granddaughter Ashley Sherrill, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Joe was born in Gay, Georgia to Opal and Joseph Estes (for whom she was named). She graduated from Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia, and taught one year of school in Jasper, Georgia, before meeting her future husband John. They were married shortly after John enlisted in the U.S. Army in World War II.
Joe and John made Atmore, Alabama their home for 20 years to raise their children. There she was a very active leader with the Girl Scouts, as well as the P.T.A. and Baptist and Presbyterian churches.
Moving to John’s hometown, she was very active with the University of West Florida Faculty Wives while John was Director of Cooperative Education.
Joe had many artistic talents and was a great supporter of the arts. She enjoyed the Garden Club for years and the Pensacola Symphony faithfully each season. She served actively with the Women of the Church at First Presbyterian for many years. Joe and John enjoyed travels to include the Amazon, Moscow and Antarctica.
The family wishes to give special thanks for the devoted service provided by their mother’s caregivers for the past five years and to covenant Hospice nurses for their care.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 3 at 4:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 33 E. Gregory Street, with Reverends Randon Jackson and Frank Beall officiating. A reception in the church parlor will follow. There will be a graveside service for family at 3 p.m. at St. John’s Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church Foundation, Covenant Hospice, 5041 N. 12th Av, Pensacola, FL 32504 or Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 13204, Pensacola, FL 32591.
Harper Morris Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.