Obituary of Sherry A. Willis

Sherry A. Willis, of Westampton, New Jersey, peacefully transitioned at the age of 76 on August 27, 2024, surrounded by her devoted family and cherished grandchildren. During her sudden, brief illness, her loved ones were blessed to spend precious time with her as she gracefully stepped into the arms of our Lord and Savior with a peaceful smile on her face. Born on April 13, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Adleen McHarris (Hill) and David McHarris, Sherry grew up in humble beginnings in the Richard Allen housing development. Despite her early circumstances, she was a woman of vision and ambition, a dreamer whose determination would later shape the remarkable life she led. Raised by her zealous mother, Adleen (Nanny), who instilled in her a profound sense of strength and resilience, Sherry and her twin sister, Terry, shared an unbreakable bond that saw them through the trials of life with grace and unity. Their older brother, Ronald, was their steadfast protector when they were young. Eventually, their mother could provide a home for them in Mt. Airy, setting the stage for their growth and success. At just 16 years old, Sherry met the love of her life, Eddie Willis, Sr., at a party where she confidently volunteered to ask him for a ride. This boldness led to a lifelong partnership built on love, respect, and shared dreams. After a night of pizza, it was love and friendship at first bite. Their fond memories of growing up with the "Beechwood Street" crew, a group of lifelong friends, continued to bring joy throughout their marriage. Sherry's educational journey began at Germantown High School and later, Temple University, where she earned an associate degree in Secretarial Science. When Eddie was accepted to Harvard University, the couple faced an early test of their commitment. Sherry was given the choice to pause their relationship or relocate to Boston, where she needed to secure an apartment, enroll in college, and find a job—all in just two days. True to her determined spirit, she accomplished all these tasks and furnished their apartment. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business education from Boston University. With unwavering dedication, Sherry gained both her degree and the love of her life. Sherry and Eddie married on September 8, 1969, and returned to Philadelphia after completing their studies. For over 55 years, they built a legacy of love, partnership, and family. Sherry was known for her unwavering work ethic and innovative spirit. She was a trailblazer, an entrepreneur, and a natural leader who embraced every challenge with passion, persistence, and fashionable finesse. Sherry's dedication was evident in the classroom and the business world. Her career began as a Secretarial Studies Instructor at Peirce Junior College in 1971, where she pioneered the first shorthand lab for remedial students. Sherry and Eddie traveled the world and birthed two brilliant children, Eddie, Jr. and Danielle. Now a “working mom,” her career flourished, including roles as a teacher at Haddon Township High School and an entrepreneur. She eventually launched her ffirst business venture, Sherry’s Greenery, in 1977 where she participated in competitive bids to coordinate, design and install plants for restaurants, offices, and model homes in the Delaware Valley area. She even built a greenhouse attached to her home to raise her own plants for the business. In 1980, Sherry faced a life-altering challenge when she was involved in a serious automobile accident with a tractor-trailer. Though her recovery was long and painful, Sherry's faith in God and her indomitable spirit saw her through. To everyone’s surprise, Sherry and Eddie welcomed LeeAnn to the bunch, less than two years after the accident, even though doctors said she only had 24 hours to live. Shortly after, they welcomed Christopher as the final bundle of joy to complete their beautiful family of six. With her loving husband by her side, she emerged stronger than ever. In 1985, she launched Sherry's Boutique, Inc., the first high-fashion apparel boutique in airport terminals in the U.S. Such businesses as Bloomingdale’s, Brooks Brothers, etc. followed her lead. Her business acumen and drive continued with the opening of her second store, Sherry’s Kid’s Duds and Stuff, Inc. With these two boutiques, she supervised an administrative budget and a staff of both full-time and part-time employees and hosted mega fashion shows. In 1990, Sherry returned to academia as a teacher at Edgewood High School, later transitioned to Living Faith Christian Academy and back to college as a professor at Rowan University. Sherry’s career spanned many fields, from teaching and entrepreneurship to leadership roles at the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), the National Business Education Association (NBEA), and owner & operator of a Doncaster clothing business. She was even a Senior Director with Mary Kay, earning the coveted pink Cadillac, and was an Elder and Accounting Administrator at The Perfecting Church, and so much more. While her accomplishments were many, Sherry’s greatest legacy was her faith in God and her dedication to her family. She was a beacon of love, always seeking to uplift those around her with her joyous smile, an encouraging word, and wanting to ensure they knew Jesus Christ. She was passionate about the health of marriages, and counseled couples as a certified marriage counselor along with her husband. For years she would send countless devotionals to numerous couples and individuals first thing in the morning whether she was at home or somewhere else in the world, as she and Elder Ed loved to travel. Anyone who knows Sherry would not be surprised to catch her placing flowers and decor around the church as a leader of her churches’ beautification ministry teams. She mentored many women including young girls she nurtured through charm school classes. Her children and her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she never missed a moment to celebrate their achievements no matter how big or small. Family was everything to Sherry, and she devoted her life to building a legacy of love, faith, and togetherness. She created countless memories with her children and grandchildren, from back-to-school shopping for the first day of school, to hosting "Camp Willis" each summer. Her generosity knew no bounds, particularly during Christmas, when she spread joy through countless acts of kindness, including gifting winter coats annually to over 30 children, and decorating her house more extravagantly than “Mrs. Claus” herself. Sherry was happiest with family, including those who adopted her as their “AuntSherry” and surrogate mom. Sherry is predeceased by her parents, Adleen McHarris (Hill) and David McHarris. She is survived by her beloved husband of 55 years, Eddie Willis, Sr., her children and their spouses: Eddie L. Willis, Jr., Danielle C. Pierre (Lucmann Pierre), LeeAnn Sims (Michael Sims), and Christopher Willis (Carlos Hernandez); her adored grandchildren: Gabrielle Pierre, Abigail Pierre, Lucmann Pierre, Jr., Eddie Willis III, and Lance Willis; her siblings: Ronald McHarris and her twin sister, Terry Brown-Gilliam; her godchildren: Pastor Kevin Brown, Adrienne Willis, Amber Willis, and Natalie Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family. In her final chapter, Sherry's life is a testament to 2 Timothy 4:7-8: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." The viewing and Homegoing services will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 9-11 am at The Perfecting Church in Sewell, NJ. Homegoing service at 11 am and repast to follow. Private interment for family. The family extends their deepest gratitude to The Perfecting Church, extended family, and friends for your unwavering support, prayers, and love during this time. We also want to thank CEO Joseph Cacchione and Jefferson Hospital for their compassionate care in Sherry’s final weeks. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished in our hearts. To extend condolences to the family or request more information, please contact The Perfecting Church, 274 Delsea Drive, Sewell, NJ 08080.