Mrs. Mary Frances Garrou, (Mimi) Sherrill, 97, of Valdese passed away on Friday March 17, 2023 at Collage Pines Nursing Center, after a period of declining health.
Mrs. Sherrill was born July 24, 1925 in Burke County, a daughter of the late Albert Francis and Louise Holloway Garrou. She was a faithful member of the Waldensian Presbyterian Church where she received the Presbyterian Women’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Mimi graduated from Salem Academy and taught elementary school and kindergarten with Mrs. Margaret Heilman for the Waldensian Presbyterian Church for a number of years. She was an accomplished lifelong artist and author and wrote short stories under the pen name Jessica Jones. Mrs. Sherrill was a founding member of the Old Colony Players in Valdese. She would write plays and “encouraged” her grandchildren to act them out. Mimi loved nature, wild flowers and especially the Boone Fork Trail, where she saw bears while walking alone. Mary traveled all over the world with her late husband, Parks Sherrill, Jr. with his work for the Rotary Club-International Service Core.
Surviving are her three sons, Parks Sherrill, III and wife Delayne of Rutherford College, John Sherrill, MD and wife Jan of Rutherford College and Francis G. Sherrill and wife Wen of Katy, TX. Also surviving is a brother Albert F. Garrou, Jr., four grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.
A Graveside Service will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Saturday April 1, 2023 at the Waldensian Presbyterian Church Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Kevin Fredrick officiating.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of College Pines Nursing Center and Dr. Jackson Genant for the excellent care given Mrs. Sherrill.
Dr. Sherrill, so sorry for the loss of your mother. Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Dr. Sherrill so sorry for the loss of your mother! You and your family are in our prayers! Your mother sure seemed to have a wonderful full life serving her family and her community ! Remembering you during your time of loss! Sincerely ,Janice G. Wolfarth
So sorry to hear about Mary Frances. She never met a stranger and we always appreciated her wit. She was a table parent for WPC after school program. She decorated the tables and the children loved her. She devoted a lot of her time and talents to our church. Thinking about all of you with love and prayers! Jane Perrou Pope
Mimi was a precious friend to the entire community and is sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Praying God’s blessings of peace and joy that come through sweet memories.